1. Early Opposition:
- Dominican friars were among the first to question the morality and legality of the encomienda system during the early Spanish colonial period. They saw it as a form of oppression and exploitation of the indigenous Filipinos.
2. Reports and Testimonies:
- Dominican friars wrote letters and reports to Spanish authorities, detailing the abuses committed under the encomienda system. They documented instances of forced labor, excessive taxation, and cruel treatment of the native population.
3. Advocacy and Education:
- Dominican friars used their influence and position within the church to advocate for the abolition of the encomienda system. They preached sermons, wrote theological tracts, and educated the Spanish public about the injustices inherent in the system.
4. Collaboration with Rizal:
- Some Dominican friars, such as Fr. Jose Maria Taviel de Andrade and Fr. Francisco Munoz, collaborated with Rizal and other Filipino intellectuals to promote reforms and challenge the oppressive Spanish colonial rule.
5. Impact on Rizal's Writings:
- The critical stance of Dominican friars against the encomienda system influenced Rizal's thinking and fueled his desire to seek reforms and expose the injustices of Spanish colonial rule.
6. Historical Documentation:
- Dominican friars also provided valuable historical documentation of the encomienda system, leaving written accounts and records that are crucial in understanding the nature of Spanish colonialism and its impact on the Philippines.
7. Support for Native Rights:
- Along with their criticism of the encomienda system, Dominican friars advocated for the recognition of the rights and dignity of the native Filipinos, pushing for more humane and just treatment of the indigenous population.
Overall, Dominican friars during Rizal's time played a significant role in speaking out against the abuses of the encomienda system, raising awareness about its detrimental effects, and inspiring others to join the cause for reforms and eventually, Philippine independence.