Inequality Then and Now: A Look at Rizal’s Time and the Philippines Today

Inequality has always been a defining issue in Philippine society. From the Spanish colonial period—when José Rizal wrote his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo—to the modern era, social and economic gaps continue to shape the everyday lives of Filipinos. Although centuries apart, many of the injustices Rizal witnessed still echo in today’s Philippines.

Inequality During Rizal’s Time

During the late 19th century, Philippine society was marked by extreme inequality maintained by colonial power. A few elites enjoyed privilege, while the majority of Filipinos lived with limited rights and opportunities.

1. Social Class Hierarchy

Under Spanish rule, people were grouped into rigid classes:

  • Peninsulares (Spaniards born in Spain) held top positions.

  • Insulares (Spaniards born in the Philippines) ranked below them.

  • Mestizos and the illustrados were allowed some education and wealth.

  • Indios, the native Filipinos, formed the lowest and most exploited class.

This structure gave power to a small minority while depriving natives of rights, dignity, and representation.

2. Abuse of Power

Rizal’s writings exposed:

  • Corrupt friars controlling land and politics

  • Unjust taxation and forced labor (polo y servicio)

  • Lack of due process, where Filipinos could be imprisoned or punished without trial

These abuses created a system where justice depended on your race and status—not on truth or fairness.

3. Education as a Privilege

Education was accessible only to a few rich families. Most Filipinos were kept uneducated to prevent rebellion and maintain colonial control. Rizal himself believed that ignorance fed oppression.

Inequality in the Philippines Today

Although the Philippines is now independent, many forms of inequality that existed in Rizal’s time have changed in form but not in essence.

1. Economic Inequality

A small percentage of families and corporations own a huge portion of the country’s wealth. Meanwhile, millions of Filipinos struggle with:

  • Low wages

  • Job insecurity

  • Limited access to quality healthcare and housing

This wealth gap mirrors the sharp divide between elites and common folk in the past.

2. Unequal Access to Education

While education is free, inequalities still exist:

  • Public schools are often under-resourced

  • Students from poor families struggle with gadgets, internet access, and school materials

  • Private education remains expensive

This creates unequal starting points for students—similar to how education was a privilege during Rizal’s time.

3. Political Inequality

Political dynasties dominate many regions of the country. Just as friars and Spanish officials controlled politics before, modern political families often maintain power for generations, influencing laws and public resources to benefit their interests.

4. Social Discrimination

Inequality is also visible in:

  • Gender gaps

  • Treatment of indigenous groups

  • Stigma against the poor

  • Unequal opportunities based on region (e.g., rural vs. urban areas)

These reflect the same patterns of exclusion that Rizal fought against.

Connecting the Past and Present

Rizal wrote about inequality to awaken national consciousness. He believed that true freedom means not just political independence, but equal rights, dignity, and opportunities for all Filipinos.

Today, inequality persists not because of colonialism, but because of:

  • Corruption

  • Poor governance

  • Unequal distribution of resources

  • Systems that favor the powerful

Rizal’s message remains relevant: a nation cannot progress while a large portion of its people remain marginalized.

Conclusion

The inequality of Rizal’s time and the inequality we experience today may differ in form, but both share the same roots—abuse of power, unequal access to opportunities, and systems that favor the few.

Rizal reminds us that the fight for equality is ongoing. His life challenges us to be aware, to speak up, and to work toward a Philippines where everyone—regardless of status—has the chance to live with dignity and hope.

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