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UNIT I
THE RIZAL LAW
Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the students are able to:
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Explain the history of Rizal and understand it’s nature
Identify the opposing groups on the issue of Rizal Law
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State the opposing group’s points of contention and determine the interest of the
contending groups; and
Discuss the importance of studying the life and works of Rizal.
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PRE - TEST
Directions: Please provide the answer of the ff. questions:
1. Who is the author of Rizal Bill?
2. Who sponsored the Rizal Bill in the senate?
3. What is RA 1425?
4. At what school level can students read the original/unexpurgated version of Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo?
5. Why does the Catholic Church deemed Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo anti
church?
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CONTENT
THE RIZAL LAW
In 1956, Senator Claro M. Recto filed a measure, which became the original Rizal Bill,
recognizing the need to instill heroism among the youth at the time when the country was
experiencing social turmoil. It was a time when the country was being ravaged by the
HUKBALAHAP’s insurgency. The imperialist presence in the form of American influence was
strong in the country’s economy and political policies. The communist insurgency was fought
through American guide and aid. The Philippines became part of the global network to contain
the spread of communism with conclusion of a mutual defense agreement with the United
States in 1951 and it’s joining the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). On the economic
front, the United parity rights granted in the Philippine Constitution which allowed the
Americans to exploit the country’s natural resources. In 1956, the Laurel – Langley Agreement
ensured the free entry of American products, thus ensuring the preference of Filipinos for
American goods. Internally, the country was being buffeted by corrupt party politics and news
of political corruption was rampant. The 1950’s was indeed confusing times.
This was the period when Recto submitted a bill, calling for a return to patriotic values
enunciated by Filipino heroes like Jose Rizal. Under the bill, it shall be obligatory for college and
university students to study the life and works of Jose Rizal. The issuance of the bill was not
welcomed by various quarters. The Catholic Church assailed the Rizal Bill as anti – Church
because it forces the students to read Rizal’s works like the Noli Me Tangere” and “El
Filibusterismo” which contain passages that were anti – Church. They presented fears that the
religious beliefs of the young students would be harmed by reading Rizal’s works while they
were at their formative years. Forcing the students to read Rizal’s works which have religious
overtones would be a violation of the constitutional freedom of religion and of conscience. The
Church made use of lobbyists as well as priests in opposing the Rizal Bill. Among them were
Catholic organizations such as Accion Catolico which was formerly headed by Senator Francisco
“Soc” Rodrigo. Priests attended and actively participated in the hearings of the Senate.
Many of these priests were foreigners who sought audience with senators to convince
them to oppose the bill. This was clear interference of the making of policies of the state.
Seminars were held across the countryside to oppose the bill. In one seminar, one of the
oppositors, Fr. Jesus Cavanna, commented that Rizal’s novels belonged to the past and it would
be harmful to read them because they presented a false picture of the conditions of the
country at that time. He also said that our of the 333 pages of the Noli Me Tangere there were
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only 25 patriotic statements compared to 120 anti – Catholic statements. One commentator,
Jesus Paredes said that the novels contain objectionable matters and Catholics had the right to
refuse to read them, so a s not to endanger their faith. Another commentator, Narciso
Pimentel, offered the speculation that Recto introduced his Rizal Bill to get back at the Catholic
voters, who, together with President Magsaysay, were responsible for his poor showing in the
1955 elections. Lawmakers such as Representative Miguel Cuenco and Senator Francisco “Soc”
Rodrigo voiced the opposition of the church in Congress. Senator Rodrigo commented that he
would not let his teenage son read the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo lest he endangers
his Catholic faith. He proposed that footnoted or annotated versions of the novels to be used
instead of the unexpurgated versions required in the bill proposed by Recto.
The Church continued its opposition of the bill by calling all Catholic voters to reject
lawmakers who supported Recto’s Rizal Bill. Pastoral letters were read in masses voicing
opposition. Bishops threatened to close down Catholic schools if the bill was approved. Recto,
however, stood his ground and dared the Catholic Church to shut down their schools, knowing
that this was only an idle threat since the Catholic learning institutions were its major source of
income. He also rejected Senator Rodrigo’s suggestion that the annotated or edited versions of
the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo should be used.
After a month – long standoff, a compromise bill was filed. It was authored by Senator
Laurel and it was based on the proposals of Senator Roseller Lim and Emmanuel Pelaez. On
June 12, 1956, Republic Act No. 1425, better known as the Rizal Law, came into effect. The law
accommodated the objections of the Catholic Church. This could be seen in the second
paragraph of Section 1, allowing students to seek exemption from reading Rizal’s work for
religious reasons. To the authors of the original bill, it was a complete victory but its oppositors
felt satisfied that at least they achieved something. The law, however requires the reading of
the unexpurgated version of Rizal’s novels. It also provides the funding of the publication of
Rizal’s works and their distribution to the countryside. It was, however, a one – time
appropriation and provision, for future publication was not given. The Rizal Law is more than 50
years old now, and it may need revisions to make it more relevant.
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REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425
HOUSEBILL NO. 5561
SENATE BILL NO. 438
AN ACT TO INCLUDE IN THE CURRICULA OF ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS, COLLEGES
AND UNIVERSITIES COURSES ON THE LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS OF JOSE RIZAL,
PARTICULARLY HIS NOVELS NOLI ME TANGERE AND EL FILIBUSTERISMO, AUTHORIZING THE
PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
WHEREAS, today, more than any other period of our history, there is a need for a re-dedication
to the ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived and died;
WHEREAS, it is meet that in honoring them, particularly the national hero and patriot, Jose
Rizal, we remember with special fondness and devotion their lives and works that have shaped
the national character;
WHEREAS, the life, works and writing of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and
El Filibusterismo, are a constant and inspiring source of patriotism with which the minds of the
youth, especially during their formative and decisive years in school, should be suffused;
WHEREAS, all educational institutions are under the supervision of, and subject to regulation by
the State, and all schools are enjoined to develop moral character, personal discipline, civic
conscience and to teach the duties of citizenship; Now, therefore,
SECTION 1. Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novel Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, shall be included in the curricula of all schools, colleges and
universities, public or private: Provided, That in the collegiate courses, the original or
unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their English translation
shall be used as basic texts.
The Board of National Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt forthwith
measures to implement and carry out the provisions of this Section, including the writing and
printing of appropriate primers, readers and textbooks. The Board shall, within sixty (60) days
from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate rules and regulations, including those of a
disciplinary nature, to carry out and enforce the provisions of this Act. The Board shall
promulgate rules and regulations providing for the exemption of students for reasons of
religious belief stated in a sworn written statement, from the requirement of the provision
contained in the second part of the first paragraph of this section; but not from taking the
course provided for in the first part of said paragraph. Said rules and regulations shall take
effect thirty (30) days after their publication in the Official Gazette.
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SECTION 2. It shall be obligatory on all schools, colleges and universities to keep in their
libraries an adequate number of copies of the original and unexpurgated editions of the Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as of Rizal’s other works and biography. The said
unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their translations in
English as well as other writings of Rizal shall be included in the list of approved books for
required reading in all public or private schools, colleges and universities.
The Board of National Education shall determine the adequacy of the number of books,
depending upon the enrollment of the school, college or university.
SECTION 3. The Board of National Education shall cause the translation of the Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo, as well as other writings of Jose Rizal into English, Tagalog and the
principal Philippine dialects; cause them to be printed in cheap, popular editions; and cause
them to be distributed, free of charge, to persons desiring to read them, through the Purok
organizations and Barrio Councils throughout the country.
SECTION 4. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amendment or repealing section nine
hundred twenty-seven of the Administrative Code, prohibiting the discussion of religious
doctrines by public school teachers and other person engaged in any public school.
SECTION 5. The sum of three hundred thousand pesos is hereby authorized to be appropriated
out of any fund not otherwise appropriated in the National Treasury to carry out the purposes
of this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved: June 12, 1956
Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 52, No. 6, p. 2971 in June 1956.
Click/copy the link below for the PDF file with signatories
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/1956/06jun/19560612-RA-1425-RM.pdf
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LEARNING ACTIVITY
Directions: Answer the ff. questions:
1. What was the reason Recto proposed the Rizal Bill? Explain
2. Who were mostly opposed of the establishment of Rizal Law and what was their main
point for disagreeing on the establishment of the Rizal law?
ASSESSMENT
Essay:
Would you consider studying the Life and Works of Jose Rizal an important subject
matter that will help us to amplify or strengthen our love and support for our country, the
Philippines, especially in the 21st century? If yes, explain. If no, then how do we foster our
patriotism today, in the 21st century? Explain.