1 Understanding the Rizal Law

I. Introduction

Watch the video, Nasa Buhay Natin si Rizal (part 1 and 2):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plj4qgxNXa8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqGeRYYLrg

Question to Ponder:
Why do you think Jose Rizal is placed on the face of a one peso coin and not on a one thousand peso bill?

Perhaps another question, a more straightforward one, would be to ask, “Why are we here studying Rizal all over
again?” Students would usually this think of the Rizal course as another subject that requires strong memorizing
skills, in which knowing the exact dates, the names, places, etc. are essential. However, the main objective of this
course goes beyond the superficial. Let us find out more about the need to learn Rizal’s life and works and it relates
to our modern day Philippines.

II. Learning Objectives

 Discuss in-depth understanding of the need to study the Life & Works of Rizal
 Explain the rationale of RA 1425
 Explain the significance Rizal Law and its important provision
 Demonstrate knowledge by critically assessing the effectiveness of Rizal Course

III. Lesson Proper

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425 also known as the “Rizal Law” was passed in 1956.
The Rizal law states the mandatory teaching of the Life and Works of Rizal. It was primarily set to address “a need
for a re-dedication to the ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived and died.”

From the Rizal bill to the Rizal law

• April 3, 1956 – Senate bill No. 438 was
filed by the Senate Committee on
Education.
• April 17, 1956 – Senate Committee on
Education Chair Jose P. Laurel sponsored
the bill and began delivering speeches for
the proposed legislation.
• April 23, 1956 – debates about the bill
started (opposition by the Catholic
church)
• May 2, 1956 – the House Committee on
Education approved the bill without amendments.
• May 9, 1956 – debates about the bill, especially about the compulsory reading of Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo. Amendments were added by Senator Jose P. Laurel that removed the compulsory teaching
of Noli and El Fili but added that other works of Rizal must be included.
• May 17, 1956 – the senate and house version of the bill were approved.
• June 12, 1956 – President Ramon Magsaysay signed the bill into a law.

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 1 Understanding the Rizal Law

CLARO M. RECTO
• Born in Tiaong, Tayabas (Quezon)
• Finished his AB degree at Ateneo and awarded Maxima cum laude
• Finished law degree from the University of Sto. Tomas
• Elected as representative of the third district of Batangas (1919)
• The main sponsor of the Rizal Bill
• Elected as senator in 1931.
• Held positions such as Minority and Majority Floor leader and Senate President.
• Became associate justice of the Supreme Court in 1935.
• Involved in the drafting of the Philippine Constitution in 1934-1935.

A REVIEW ON THE RIZAL LAW

RA 1425, “RIZAL LAW”
• 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;

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.

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 1 Understanding the Rizal Law

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.

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.

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.

Senate bill 438 known as Rizal Bill which was first authored by Senator Claro M. Recto – requiring the inclusion in
the curricula of all private and public schools, colleges and universities the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal
particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo – is considered as one of the most controversial bills
in the Philippines. Normally, before the bill was approved and implemented in all schools and was signed into a law
known as Republic Act 1425, it had been brought to the Upper and Lower House of the Congress for deliberations.

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But what made it controversial is that the bill was not just fiercely opposed by people from Legislative Arm but also
by the Catholic Church due to the inclusion of compulsory reading of Rizal’s novels in which according to them,
catholic dogmas are humiliated.

For additional readings on the history of the Rizal Law, including the controversies that circulated during
the settling of the law, you may visit this webpage: https://dimasalang.weebly.com/ra-1425.html

The Importance of Studying Rizal

The academic subject on the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal was not mandated by law for nothing. Far from
being impractical, the course interestingly offers many benefits that some contemporary academicians declare that
the subject, especially when taught properly, is more beneficial than many subjects in various curricula.

The following are just some of the significance of the academic subject:

1. The subject provides insights on how to deal with current problems

There is a dictum, “He who controls the past controls the future.” Our view of history forms the manner we perceive
the present, and therefore influences the kind of solutions we provide for existing problems. Jose Rizal course, as a
history subject, is full of historical information from which one could base his decisions in life. In various ways, the
subject, for instance, teaches that being educated is a vital ingredient for a person or country to be really free and
successful.

2. It helps us understand better ourselves as Filipinos

The past helps us understand who we are. We comprehensively define ourselves not only in terms of where we are
going, but also where we come from. Our heredity, past behaviors, and old habits as a nation are all significant clues
and determinants to our present situation. Interestingly, the life of a very important national historical figure like
Jose Rizal contributes much to shedding light on our collective experience and identity as Filipino. The good grasp
of the past offered by this subject would help us in dealing wisely with the present.

3. It teaches nationalism and patriotism

Nationalism involves the desire to attain freedom and political independence, especially by a country under foreign
power, while patriotism denotes proud devotion and loyalty to one’s nation. Jose Rizal’s life, works, and writings—
especially his novels—essentially, if not perfectly, radiate these traits. For one thing, the subject helps us to
understand our country better.

4. It provides various essential life lessons

We can learn much from the way Rizal faced various challenges in life. As a controversial figure in his time, he
encountered serious dilemmas and predicaments but responded decently and high-mindedly. Through the crucial
decisions he made in his life, we can sense his priorities and convictions which manifest how noble, selfless, and
great the national hero was. For example, his many resolutions exemplified the aphorism that in this life there are
things more important than personal feeling and happiness.

5. It helps in developing logical and critical thinking

Critical Thinking refers to discerning, evaluative, and analytical thinking. A Philosophy major, Jose Rizal
unsurprisingly demonstrated his critical thinking skills in his argumentative essays, satires, novels, speeches, and
written debates. In deciding what to believe or do, Rizal also proved his being a reasonably reflective thinker, never
succumbing to the irrational whims and baseless opinions of anyone. In fact, he indiscriminately evaluated and

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criticized even the doctrines of the dominant religion of his time. A course on Rizal’s life, works, and writings
therefore is also a lesson in critical thinking.

6. Rizal can serve as a worthwhile model and inspiration to every Filipino

If one is looking for someone to imitate, then Rizal is a very viable choice. The hero’s philosophies, life principles,
convictions, thoughts, ideals, aspirations, and dreams are a good influence to anyone. Throughout his life, he valued
nationalism and patriotism, respect for parents, love for siblings, and loyalty to friends, and maintained a sense of
chivalry. As a man of education, he highly regarded academic excellence, logical and critical thinking, philosophical
and scientific inquiry, linguistic study, and cultural research. As a person, he manifested versatility and flexibility
while sustaining a strong sense of moral uprightness.

7. The subject is a rich source of entertaining narratives

People love fictions and are even willing to spend for books or movie tickets just to be entertained by made-up tales.
But only a few perhaps know that Rizal’s life is full of fascinating non-fictional accounts.

For instance, it is rarely known that (1) Rizal was involved in a love triangle with Antonio Luna as also part of the
romantic equation; (2) Rizal was a model in some of Juan Luna’s paintings; (3) Rizal’s common-law wife Josephine
Bracken was ‘remarried’ to a man from Cebu and had tutored former President Sergio Osmeña; (4) Leonor Rivera
(‘Maria Clara’), Rizal’s ‘true love’, had a son who married the sister of the former President of the United Nations
General Assembly Carlos P. Romulo; (5) the Filipina beauty queen Gemma Cruz Araneta is a descendant of Rizal’s
sister, Maria; (6) the sportscaster Chino Trinidad is a descendant of Rizal’s ‘first love’ (Segunda Katigbak); and (7)
the original manuscripts of Rizal’s novel (Noli and Fili) were once stolen for ransom, but Alejandro Roces had
retrieved them without paying even a single centavo.

For a more comprehensive discussion on the Rizal Law, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=WGYIyyQtPi0

IV. Learning Activities

Fast Talk Interview
1) Identify three to five basic information about Rizal (ex. Full name, Place of birth, date of execution,
parents, works, etc.)
2) Interview the oldest person in your household using your formulated questions.
3) After your interviewee answered the questions, ask the following:
 What else do you know about Jose Rizal?
 How did you know all of these information?

Make sure to record your interview. It should be no more than 1 minute.

V. Assessment/Reflection
Reflection No. 1:How do the issues of the present-day Philippines reflect the Rizal Law?

Reflection No. 2:
After reading RA 1425, what provisions will you add to make it more relevant to the youth like you? Compose a
Tweet below (150 characters only) to explain your answer

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VI. Self-Test
True or False. Write TRUE if the sentence is correct and FALSE if the sentence is incorrect.

1. R.A. 1956 or the Rizal Law, was passed into law in 1425.
2. The Rizal law became a controversy prior to its signing in 1956. One of the clear opposing groups is the
Catholic Church, particularly on the compulsory reading of Rizal’s novels, El Filibusterismo and Noli Me
Tangere.
3. A student under The Life and Works of Rizal course may be exempted from reading the Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo due to religious beliefs.
4. Two most important traits that aims to be taught in the Rizal course are the sense of nationalism and
patriotism.
5. Private schools and institutions have the option of removing The Life and Works of Rizal course in their
curriculum.

VII. Post-test
All post-tests shall be given by the instructor.

VIII. Resources
Rhodalyn Wani-Obias, Aaron Abel Mallari, Janet Regindin-Estella. The Life and Works of Rizal: C & E
Publishing, Inc. 2018
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1956/06/12/republic-act-no-1425/#:~:text=June%2012%2C
%201956-,REPUBLIC%20ACT%20NO.,THEREOF%2C%20AND%20FOR%20OTHER%20PURPOSES
https://images.app.goo.gl/s8evec68kcoyRT7N9
https://www.bayaniart.com/articles/jose-rizal-biography/noli_me_tangere_el_filibusterismo/
https://dimasalang.weebly.com/ra-1425.html

Self-test answers:
1. False; 2. True; 3. True; 4. True; 5. False

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