The Rizal Bill: A Debate of National Importance Support Opposed Nationalism and Patriotism Religious Sensitivity Promotes National Pride: This encourages a sense of pride and national identity among Filipino people, which will manifest through learning about the life and works of Jose Rizal. Conflict with Religious Beliefs: The Catholic church believes that some of the works of Rizal such as "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," are anti Catholic. Educational Value: This will provide valuable lessons and insights on patriotism, courage, and sacrifice from Rizal’s writings. Probability of the church opposition: The probability of the Catholic Church will be high as they strongly opposed the compulsory reading of Rizal’s works, stating that the works of Rizal could undermine the faith of young Catholics. Historical Awareness Academic Freedom Understanding History: This will help students to further understand the history and specially the backgrounds of Rizal. Furthermore, it will also help students to understand how the Philippines struggle for independence. Imposition on Curriculum: Some Critics argued that the bill imposed a specific viewpoint and reading material, infringing on academic freedom and the autonomy of educational institutions. Cultural Heritage: This will preserves the cultural heritage and backgrounds that will ensure future generations are fully aware of the country’s past experiences and stories. Diverse Perspectives: Critics believed that it will be unfair and biased in focusing solely on Rizal’s works this could result to limited exposure to other important historical figures aspects, and perspective. Moral and Ethical Lesson Political Implication Role Models: This subject will highlight Rizal as a role model for students; this subject will emphasize the values most especially selflessness, dedication to the country, and the intellectual prowess. Politicization of Education: Concerns have been raised that the bill was issued because of political purposes, in which passing this bill is only for the interest of a certain group rather than the educational benefits that it may have provide to the students. Cultural Heritage: By analyzing Rizal‘s works and their implications to the current society, it will lead the students to critically think and analyze. Division and controversy: Passing this bill might cause controversy and division in the senate; this may cause more harm than good in politics, which results in a politically charged environment. Legal and Constitutional basis Educational Mandate: This fullfulls the bill of the 1935 Constitution in promoting and developing education for the youth, which focuses more on the teaching of nationalism. Practical Concerns Implimentation Challenges: There are questions that has been raised about the feasibility of the bill’s implimentation. Such aspects that has been questioned are the availability of resources, the training of teahcers and the appropriate materials that will be required in implementing this subject.
