The Philippines a Century Hence

The Philippines a Century Hence by José Rizal is a socio-political essay written in four parts (1889-1890) in the magazine La solidaridad by José Rizal. It is one of the most significant political works of the movement in Spain, Rizal tracing the circumstances that brought about the awakening of the Filipino and consequently the birth of the Filipino spirit of a nation. He underscores the need to establish a new kind of political relationship between Spain and the Philippines if the former does not wish a total break-up with the latter. Spain is being given a sort of ultimatum: reform or independence. But more than a warning, the article is a sensible request of an affectionate son who sincerely wishes to avoid a bloody separation between Spain and the Philippines. He ends his article with a prediction on the possible political intervention of European or neighboring powers or even that of the United States of America should the Philippines declare itself independent from Spain. He dismisses that possibility, given the existence of other more enticing economic prospects.