The formulation of Philippine Constitution is essential because it contains different laws
and rules that protect humans and highlight the rights that everyone should exercise and
experience. Apparently, as stated in the Article III of 1987 Constitution or the Bill of Rights
under Section 4- “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech expression or of the
press or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress
of grievance”. The freedom of speech and expression should be exercised and not prohibited as
far as this section is concerned. Also, as noted in Section 5-“No law shall be made respecting an
establishment of religions or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and
enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall
forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil and political
rights.” The preference of every person for his religion is allowed and should be respected
without any form of discrimination. Despite of these rights, in today’s scenario, there are still
people who violate the rules inscribed in these sections. The issue of freedom of expression and
religion have been one of the most controversial issues today. Similarly, these issues can be
observed and had been violated by Spanish Friars in the Chapter 4 of Noli Me Tangere which
was entitled “Heretics and Filibuster”.
The chapter focused on the conversation of Captain Guevarra and Crisostomo Ibarra
regarding Don Rafael Ibarra who was the father Crisostomo. As per Captain Guevarra, Don
Rafael was the richest man in town. He helped many people in their community and this is the
reason why he was famous in their place. Many residents in their locality have respected Don
Rafael but there were some people who had conflicts with him particularly Spanish friars.
Among those friars, Father Damasohad conflict with Don Rafael because he did not perform
sacrament of confession. Also, Don Rafael got in jail due to an unknown enemy. He was falsely
accused as a murderer who killed a Spanish Tax Collector. Aside from these, he was accused for
reading prohibited books such as El Correo de Ultramar, different newspaper, and keeping
pictures of killed friars. Moreover, he was charged with false allegations such as helping rebels
and owning others land. Lastly, he was considered heretic and filibuster by the friars. These
things revealed that even before, different forms of social injustices were present. The freedom
of expression was not fully exercised especially when you have something to say against the
church which was the most powerful institution during that time. As revealed by this chapter, if a
person did not perform religion-related activities like sacrament of confession, he will be charged
and probably face negative consequences. The existence of these social injustices was a great
manifestation that a person can be in jail, labelled heretics and filibuster or even die if he/she
does not follow or goes against the will of prominent people. Even without accusations, they can
easily manipulate the situation to sue the people who are opposing them.
These circumstances which happened in the past can also happen in the present or even
on the future. As a student who learned and read this chapter, I can say that the elimination of
these social labels and injustices depend on us. We can terminate thesebad and negative societal
issues by standing for what is right. We must defend are rights concerning freedom of speech,

religions and other substantial fields. Let’s put in our mind the lessons from yesterday so that we
can improve the present by utilizing them and prepare for a better future. If you are standing for
what is right, do not be afraid. Instead, have the courage to defend what’s real so that everyone
can be awaken. We should be like Captain Guevarra who defended Don Rafael by witnessing
and pledging that Don Rafael was an honorable man. He was tough enough and had the courage
to speak for what was right even though he was standing alone. Let’s put our hands together and
fight for what is right especially for our RIGHTS.