Who should really be the National Hero of the Philippines?

My opinion in this matter was that there should be no national hero, but instead national heroes. Why exult only one hero over others? I think even Jose Rizal will oppose the idea that we glorify him as a national hero while others who also made sacrifices for the country are relegated to supporting roles. This "only one" national hero thing was started way back when Americans occupied our country. Back then, there are still Filipinos who are fighting guerilla wars against them. So they thought that making a pacifist, non violent, reform-minded intellect like Jose Rizal as a national hero will calm down the population. It proves to be effective as Filipinos stopped fighting them after a few years. But what about those who carried out the hard work of fighting and driving out the Spanish invaders like Bonifacio, Aguinaldo, Mabini and Jacinto? Sadly they will only be called "heroes" without the "national" before their label.

Actually, the Philippines has no actual or official national heroes. According to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Heraldry Section Chief Teodoro Atienza, there has never been any law passed to recognize a national hero in the country. For a national hero or symbol to be official, it must first be declared so by an enabling law, which must be passed by the two houses of the legislature and signed by the president. I hope this clear all the arguments. Have a nice evening. Ciao!

In my opinion Jose Rizal, is the best choice because he is intelligent and never used any violence to reform the countries and reveal the abusive power of priest. Bonifacio, didn't used his intelligent to win over the spaniard that is why most of attack make his men many lost many lives...

Do you have to be killed by the colonizers in order for you to be proclaimed a hero? I really dont think so. And if you could just review the History class, Rizal fought not for our country's freedom but along with Lopez-Jaena, they wanted that the Philippines be a province of Spain and that there'd be a Filipino representative in the Spanish senate. Of course, who'd be sent to the Spanish senate, it's either Rizal, Lopez-Jaena or another person that belongs to their circle! Unlike, Bonifacio, he wanted complete sovereignty from Spain and not us, be a part nor a province of Spain! So, with that being said, Bonifacio, for me should have been the National hero and not Rizal.

I'm not familiar with your countrie's history but I think to judge a person a hero or not should not by he was killed by who, if they both did contributions to your country they are both heros.

I have no question about our National Hero and that is Dr. Jose P. Rizal. He contributed and done so many things that considered him as our National hero.He's smart and courageous.