El Filibusterismo

Don Custodio wrestles with the question of the Spanish-language academy, unable to come to a decision despite all the input he has received from influential people for and against the plan. Don Custodio is well-respected in Manila, having in Ben Zayb a free public relations agent—the journalist constantly commends Custodio’s plans. Custodio, a liberal Spaniard, found success in Manila at a young age, quickly ascending the political ladder and joining all kinds of committees and councils despite his lack of expertise. Custodio’s energetic participation in debates about various plans kept him in the decision-making process.

Traveling to Spain for medical treatment, Custodio was surprised by his insignificance and lack of aptitude for European party politics, and he returned to the Philippines at the first opportunity. Custodio has a fond but deeply paternalistic attitude toward indios, wrongly attributing any native cultural achievement to external influences. He is also deeply religious, supporting the friars’ power over the native population. Custodio is unsure how to resolve the question of the Spanish-language academy without upsetting the priests or the liberals. However, he has a stroke of genius looking back through his old plans and immediately begins drafting a proposal.