R.

A 1425: The Rizal Law; Nation and Nationalism

RLW (Module 1&2) (Pharm 1-C) (Sugay Misaila) | SEM 1 2023

INTRODUCTION TO THE RIZAL LAW RA 1425 THE TRIALS OF THE RIZAL BILL

● Republic Act 1425, popularly known as the SALIENT POINTS

Rizal Law, plays a crucial role in educating ● April 03, 1956
people about the life, works, and writings - the committee on Education filed Rizal Law
of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. with Senate Bill No. 438
● The Rizal Law was passed in 1956 after - Supported by all but 3 of the members of
intense debates and opposition, the Upper House
particularly from the Catholic Church. ● April 17, 1956
● The law requires the inclusion of Rizal's life - Laurel began his sponsorship and it
and his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El caused tension
Filibusterismo" in the curricula of all public - The bill's objective was to promulgate Jose
and private schools, colleges, and Rizal's ideas and principles through the
universities. reading of his books
HISTORY OF THE RIZAL LAW
● The origins of the Rizal Law can be traced ● Senate Bill No.438 (section 1-6)
back to Senate Bill 438, also known as the • Section 1: Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are
Rizal Bill, authored by Senator Claro M. declared compulsory reading in all public and
Recto. private schools, colleges, and universities of the
● The bill aimed to include the study of Jose Philippines.
Rizal's life and writings in educational • Section 2: The works (Noli & El Fili) should be in its
institutions. original form
● However, it faced fierce opposition not only • Section 3: The Department of Education shall take
from the legislative arm but also from the steps to publicize the rules and regulations
Catholic Church, which had concerns • Section 4: No one should be unspoken by
about the portrayal of Catholic dogmas in prohibiting or limiting the works of the
Rizal's novels. Filipino heroes
● The bill went through a series of debates • Section 5: Any public or private universities failed
and contests in both the Upper and Lower to comply with this act shall be punished
Houses of Congress, involving notable accordingly
figures like Senator Jose B. Laurel Sr., who Section 6: This act shall be implemented when
sponsored the bill, and opposition from approved.
senators and congressmen.
● Various Catholic organizations, including The Catholic elements in and outside Congress
the Catholic Bishops Conference of the and Senators Mariano J. Cuenco, Francisco
Philippines (CBCP), played a significant Rodrigo and Decoroso Rosales, opposed to the
role in opposing the bill. approval of the bill due to the ff. Reasons:
MISSION & CONTROVERSY 1. Claiming that the two novels contained views
● Supporters of the Rizal Bill, like Senator inimical to the tenets of theirfaith
Recto and Senator Laurel, argued that its 2. the compulsory nature of the bill as violative of
purpose was to keep the memory of the religious freedom.
national hero alive, emphasizing his 3. Novels were heretical and impious.
peaceful fight for freedom, rather than 4. An attempt to discredit Catholic religion.
being against religion. 5. Compulsion to read something against one's
● The debate became intense, with some religious convictions was an impairment both of
incidents, such as a fistfight between freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
congressmen Ramon Durano and Emilio
Cortes.
● Threats to close down Catholic schools, According to Senator Laurel, "Noli Me Tangere and El
campaigns against pro-Rizal bill Filibusterismo must be read by all Filipinos. They must
legislators, and concerns about religious be taken to heart, for in their pages we see ourselves as
freedom were part of the controversy. in a mirror; our defects as well as our strength, our
virtues as well as our vices. Only then would we become
● Eventually, the bill was passed on May 17,
conscious as a people, and so learn to prepare
1956, and signed into law as Republic Act
ourselves for painful sacrifices that ultimately lead to
1425 by President Ramon Magsaysay on self-reliance, self-respect and freedom."
June 12 of the same year.

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R.A 1425: The Rizal Law; Nation and Nationalism
RLW (Module 1&2) (Pharm 1-C) (Sugay Misaila) | SEM 1 2023

● May 9, 1956
● April 19, 1956 - Debates started after the Committee on
- The conflict reached the house of Education filed the report, recommending
representatives when Congressman an approval without amendment.
Jacobo z. Gonzales introduced House Bill
No. 5561, which an identical copy of Senate - The defenders of the bill are the following:
Bill No.438 • Congressman Emilio Cortez
● April 23, 1956 • Congressman Mario Bengzon
- Debates on Senate Bill No. 438 began • Congressman Joaquin R. Roces
:Laurel was supported by a prestigious • Congressman W. Rancap Lagumbay
colleague and ardent nationalist also
:Senator Recto proved his usual brilliance - While the outspoken opponents are the
as a parliamentarian and his vast following:
erudition in history and law, including • Congressman Ramon Durano
Canon Law. • Congressman Jose Nuguid
• Congressman Marciano Lim
- The formidable Senator Claro M. Recto • Congressman Manuel Zosa
supported Senator Laurel during the • Congressman Lucas Paredas
debate • Congressman Godofredo Ramos
- The other camp consists of Senators • Congressman Miguel Cuenco
Mariano J. Cuenco, Francisco Rodrigo and • Congresswoman Carmen D. Consing
Decoroso Rosales which are all identified • Congresswoman Tecla San Andres Ziga
as rabid Catholics.
- Recto said that Rizal aimed to instill civic - This came about when Senator Laurel,
consciousness, national dignity, personal sensing the futility of further strife on the
pride, and patriotism in Filipinos and not matter, rose to propose in his own name
feign to teach religion or theology when he an amendment by substitution which read
wrote Noli Me Tangere and El as follows:
Filibusterismo. An act to include in the curricula of all public and
- Senator Rodrigo stated that Filipinos have private schools, colleges, universities courses on
two great loves which are their country the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly
and their faith. He also said that they his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo,
shouldn't create a fight between the authorizing the printing and distribution thereof,
government and the church. and for other purposes.

• Senator Recto stated that the sole object of the bill ● May 12, 1956
was to foster the better appreciation of Rizal's times - Substitute bill was unanimously approved
and the role he played in combating Spanish on second reading
Tyranny in this country. Denying that the novels had - After months of debate, substitute Rizal bill
any religious motivation. was approved
- Rizal bill has accommodated the
● Senator Rodrigo remarked: objections of the Roman Catholic church
- "A vast majority of our people are at the same ● May 14, 1956
time Catholics and Filipino Citizens. As such, they - Congressman Tolentino sponsored an
have two great loves: their country and their faith". amendment by substitution identical to
- "Let us not create a conflict between nationalism senator laurel's substitute bill as amended
and religion; between the government and the and approved on second reading in the
church" upper House.
● May 17, 1956
● May 2, 1956 - Senate Bill No. 438 was approved in the
- Recommending approval without third reading with 23 votes in favor
amendment Revolved on the - House Bill No.5561 approved on the third
constitutionality and the propriety of the reading with 27 votes in favor
measure - The bill was passed by the latter Chamber
without amendment
- Provided the number of the senate bill
should also appear in the enrolled copies

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R.A 1425: The Rizal Law; Nation and Nationalism
RLW (Module 1&2) (Pharm 1-C) (Sugay Misaila) | SEM 1 2023

● June 12, 1956 also expressed concern about the anti-Catholic

- The bill was signed into law by President sentiments expressed in his novels.
Ramon Magsaysay
- The bill became Republic Act No. 1425 or • The importance of critical thinking. The pastoral
"Rizal Law letter also warned that the novels could be
● December 26, 1994 misinterpreted by young people, and that they
- President Fidel V. Ramos Issued a could lead to a negative view of the Catholic
Memorandum Order No. 247, that the Church.
secretary of Department of Higher
Education, Culture and Sport, and the • The importance of dialogue and understanding.
Chairman of the Commission on Higher The pastoral letter concluded by calling for
Education to take steps to fully implement dialogue between Catholics and non-Catholics
to the letter the intent and spirit of Rizal about the novels of Dr. Jose Rizal. The letter stated
Law. that "the novels can be a source of inspiration for
both Catholics and non-Catholics, as they show the
TRIALS OF THE BILL CAUSE importance of love, compassion, and social justice."
Requires all schools, colleges, and universities in the
Philippines to offer courses on the life, works, and
writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me
NATION AND NATIONALISM
Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
TRIALS OF THE BILL PROBLEMs
Some people opposed the bill because they ○ Act of Nationalism
believed that Rizal's novels were anti-Catholic. ○ Act of Patriotism
Others opposed the bill because they felt that it was ○ Act of Compassion
an infringement on academic freedom.
TRIALS OF THE BILL OUTCOME NATIONALISM
It has been credited with promoting nationalism
and patriotism among Filipino students. It has also A sense of national identity and pride, is often expressed through
support for one's country's government, culture, and people. Acts
helped to raise awareness of Rizal's life and works,
of nationalism can include things like serving in the military,
which are considered to be classics of Philippine voting in elections, flying the national flag, and singing the
literature. national anthem.

CBCP PASTORAL LETTER PATRIOTISM

A similar concept to nationalism, but it is often more focused on

love and devotion to one's country. Acts of patriotism can include
CRITIC
things like volunteering for community service projects or
The Catholic Church initially banned the publication supporting national sports teams.
and circulation of these novels, and it is possible
that Canon Law 1399 could have been used to
justify this ban. COMPASSION

RESPONSE
A feeling of concern for the suffering of others and a desire to
• The letter acknowledged Rizal's contributions to help them. Acts of compassion can include things like donating
Philippine society and culture, but it also expressed to charity, volunteering your time, or simply being kind and
understanding to others.
concern about the anti-Catholic sentiments
expressed in his novels.
Key differences: nationalism, patriotism, and compassion:
• The letter stated that Rizal's criticisms of the
Church should be seen in the context of his time
and that they should not be taken as a reflection of
the Church's current teachings.

SIGNIFICANCE
• The importance of reading and understanding
history. The pastoral letter acknowledged Rizal's
contributions to Philippine society and culture, but it