Rizal
Read and study RA 1425: Rizal Law
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425
- An act to include in the curricula of all public and private schools, colleges and
university courses on the life, works and writing 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
rededication 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 special fondness and devotion their lives and works that have shaped
the national character;
WHEREAS, the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, 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,
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
SECTION 1. Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels
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 first part of said paragraph. Said rules and regulations shall take effect
thirty (80) days after their publication in the Official Gazette.
SEC. 2. It shall be obligatory on all schools, and universities to keep in their libraries an
adequate copies of the original and unexpurgated editions of 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
Rizal
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.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 4. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amending 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.
SEC. 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.
SEC 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved, June 12, 1956.
Summary of Republic Act No. 1425 (Rizal Law)
Republic Act No. 1425, enacted on June 12, 1956, mandates the inclusion of courses on the
life, works, and writings of José Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo, in the curricula of all public and private schools, colleges, and universities in
the Philippines.
Key Provisions:
1. Curriculum Requirement:
○ All schools, colleges, and universities must include courses on Rizal's life and
works, specifically his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. The
original, unexpurgated editions or their English translations must be used as
basic texts in college courses.
2. Textbook Availability:
○ Schools must maintain copies of these unexpurgated editions in their
libraries. They are also required to include Rizal's other works and biography
in their reading lists.
3. Translation and Distribution:
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○ The Board of National Education is tasked with translating Rizal's novels and
other writings into English, Tagalog, and other major Philippine languages.
These translations should be printed in affordable editions and distributed free
of charge to communities.
4. Exemptions:
○ Students can be exempted from studying the unexpurgated versions of
Rizal’s novels if they submit a sworn written statement regarding their
religious beliefs, though they must still take the course on Rizal’s life and
works.
5. Funding:
○ A budget of ₱300,000 is allocated from the National Treasury to implement
the provisions of the law.
6. Other Provisions:
○ The law does not alter provisions in the Administrative Code that prohibit the
discussion of religious doctrines by public school teachers.
The law emphasizes the importance of Rizal’s works as sources of inspiration for
nationalism and patriotism, especially for the youth, to instill moral character, civic
conscience, and the duties of citizenship. The law took effect immediately after its approval.
History of Republic Act No. 1425 (Rizal Law)
Republic Act No. 1425, also known as the Rizal Law, was enacted on June 12, 1956. It was
authored by Senator Claro M. Recto, who introduced the bill in the Philippine Senate. The
law mandates the inclusion of courses on José Rizal's life, works, and writings in the
curricula of all public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the Philippines.
The enactment of the Rizal Law stemmed from a growing need to instill a sense of
nationalism and pride in the Filipino youth, especially after the country gained independence
from the United States in 1946. The law’s primary goal was to ensure that Filipinos,
particularly students, would continue to be inspired by Rizal’s ideals of freedom, justice,
equality, and patriotism.
The passage of the law was not without controversy. Catholic groups and some
conservative factions opposed it, arguing that certain parts of Rizal’s works, especially Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, criticized the Catholic Church and its clergy, and thus
could potentially promote anti-Catholic sentiments. Despite these objections, the law was
passed, and it remains a cornerstone of the country’s education system today.
Provisions of Republic Act No. 1425
The key provisions of the Rizal Law are as follows:
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1. Mandating Rizal Courses in the Curriculum
○ All public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the
Philippines must include a course on the life, works, and writings of José
Rizal, specifically his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, in their
curricula.
○ The law specifies that the original, unexpurgated editions of the two novels
or their English translations should be used as basic texts in college-level
courses.
2. Textbook Requirements for Schools
○ Schools must keep copies of the original or unexpurgated editions of Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo in their libraries.
○ Other writings of Rizal and his biography should also be included in the
reading list for students in all levels of education.
3. Translations and Distribution
○ The Board of National Education is tasked with translating Rizal’s works
into English, Tagalog, and other major Philippine dialects.
○ These translations should be printed in affordable, popular editions and
distributed free of charge through local organizations such as Purok and
Barrio Councils to ensure that even Filipinos in rural areas have access to
them.
4. Exemptions for Religious Beliefs
○ Students may be exempted from studying the unexpurgated versions of Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo if they submit a sworn written statement
citing their religious beliefs.
○ However, even if exempted from studying the novels, students must still take
the required course on Rizal’s life and works.
5. Funds for Implementation
○ The law authorized the appropriation of ₱300,000 from the National Treasury
to fund the implementation of its provisions, such as the printing of textbooks
and the translation of Rizal’s works.
How and Why: The Significance of the Rizal Law
Why Was the Rizal Law Enacted?
1. To Foster Nationalism and Patriotism
○ After gaining independence, there was a need for Filipinos, especially the
youth, to reconnect with their national identity. The Rizal Law aimed to instill a
strong sense of pride in the country and inspire students to be active and
responsible citizens.
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○ José Rizal, as the national hero, was a symbol of selflessness, love of
country, and the fight for freedom. His works continue to encourage
Filipinos to uphold the ideals of liberty and justice, even in contemporary
society.
2. To Honor and Preserve Rizal’s Legacy
○ The law ensures that Rizal’s contributions to Philippine independence are
remembered by every new generation. His ideas on social reform,
nationalism, and the importance of education are crucial in building an
informed and conscientious citizenry.
○ It helps Filipinos understand the historical context of their struggle for
independence and appreciate the sacrifices of their forebears.
3. To Develop Civic Conscience
○ The law aims to cultivate in students an awareness of their rights and duties
as citizens. By learning from Rizal’s experiences, they are inspired to work
toward improving society and addressing social issues, just as Rizal did
in his time.
4. To Promote Moral and Ethical Values
○ Rizal’s writings advocate for integrity, justice, and self-discipline. These
values are essential in shaping the character of Filipino students, preparing
them to be ethical leaders and responsible members of their communities.
5. To Counteract the Influence of Foreign Powers
○ At the time of its passage, the Philippines had only recently gained full
sovereignty. The Rizal Law was part of the broader effort to assert national
identity and resist foreign influences by emphasizing local heroes, like
Rizal, who fought for Philippine independence.
How Does the Rizal Law Help Filipinos in Their Daily Lives?
1. Encourages National Pride and Unity
○ By studying Rizal’s life and works, Filipinos gain a better understanding of
their shared history and the common struggles that unite them. This
contributes to a stronger sense of national unity, helping to overcome
regional or cultural differences.
2. Promotes Critical Thinking and Social Awareness
○ Rizal’s works encourage readers to think critically about society, to question
authority, and to challenge injustices. This fosters critical thinking, which is
essential for addressing contemporary issues such as corruption, poverty, and
inequality.
3. Instills Values of Integrity, Courage, and Social Responsibility
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○ Learning about Rizal’s character and his commitment to fighting for justice
can inspire Filipinos to adopt similar values of honesty, courage, and
service to others in their own lives.
4. Strengthens Civic Duty and Participation
○ Rizal’s writings emphasize the importance of being active in one’s community
and country. This motivates students to take part in civic activities, such as
voting, volunteering, and engaging in social reform.
5. Promotes Lifelong Learning and Education
○ Rizal was an advocate of education as a tool for empowerment. By
continuing to highlight the importance of education through his legacy, the law
encourages Filipinos to seek knowledge throughout their lives, improving both
their personal development and the future of the nation.
Conclusion
Republic Act No. 1425 serves not just as an academic requirement but as a vital tool for
nation-building. By learning about José Rizal and his ideals, Filipinos are reminded of their
responsibility to contribute positively to their society and uphold the values of justice,
freedom, and patriotism. The Rizal Law continues to play a crucial role in shaping the
minds of the youth and in nurturing a more unified and morally responsible Philippines.
What is the main three goals of Rizal Law
- The objective of this law is to rededicate the lives of the youth to ideals of freedom
and nationalism.
- To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his life and works in shaping the
filipino character.
- To gain an inspiring source of patriotism thru the study of Rizal’s life, works and
writings.
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How a bill becomes a law: The Legislative process
1. Bill is filed in the senate office of the secretary
2. First reading
3. Committee hearing (distribute to their own committee)
4. 2nd reading (debate)
5. Voting on 2nd reading
6. Voting on 3rd reading (amended form)
7. Consolidation of version from the house; a bicameral conference committee
8. Transmittal of the final version to the Malacanang
Historical Background
Why was the law passed?
- Rise of communist lead activist/group (hukbalahap)
- Decline in our nationalist ideals
Catholic Opposition
- 333 pages; 25 are nationalistic and 120 are anti-catholic
- 120 lines from Noli and 50 lines from El offenses the catholic doctrine
- Might divide the nation
- Impairs freedom of speech and religious freedom
- Rizal admitted that he did not only attack the friars who acted deceptively on the
Filipinos but also the catholic faith itself
Claro M. Recto
- He authored the RA1425 also known as the Rizal that was enacted on June 12, 1956
- He was born on February 8, 1890, born in Tiaong, Tayabas (QUEZON PROVINCE)
- Father is Don Claro Recto Sr. of Rosario Batangas and Mother is Dona Micaela
Mayo of Lipa
- Lawyer, congressman, senator
- Father of the 1935 constitution
What is the 3 main goals of Rizal Law
- The objective of this law is to rededicate the lives of the youth to ideals of freedom
and nationalism
- To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his life and works in shaping the
filipino character
- To gain an inspiring source of patriotism thru the study of Rizal’s life, works, and
writings.
Full name of Rizal: Jose Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda
- Born on June 19, 1861
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19TH CENTURY OF THE PHILIPPINES IN RIZAL
Nationalism
- Sense of loyalty or psychological attachment members of a nation share, based on a
common language, history, culture, and desire for independence.
The growth of nationalism can be attributed to 2 major revolutions of the earlier century
1. American revolution (1775-1789)
2. French revolution (1779-1789)
In the philippines, nationalism was too slow
- Democracy was non-existent
- Industrialism - the transformation of manufacturing brought about by the invention
and use of machine
Economic development
- There was a shift towards laissez-faire or free market trade
- Manila acapulco - longest line trading
- Opening of suez canal ignited foreign commerce; the rise of the middle-class or the
ilustrados
Socio-economic policies
1. Reduccion - early settlements; for the spanish government to easily monitor the
filipinos
2. Bandala - ob;iged to trade with the spaniards; advantage on the part of the spaniards
- tend to ask for discount
3. Polo y servicio - forced labor of all Filipino males from 16-60 for 40 days period. Only
way to avoid is to pay falla (money used to pay in order for them to not work)
4. Taxation - cedula was being used for taxation; pay yearly for the cedula; sanctorum
(tax for the church) proposed to pay the tribute was miguel lopez de legaspi
Political development
King of spain
- Executive branch
- Governor general
- Judicial branch
- Royal audencia, residencies, lower courts, governer-general
- Provincial
- pueblo/town
- Barrios (cabeza de barangay)
- Municipal
- City
- Cabildo city council ((alcalde; mayor, regidores,
aguancil mayor, escribando (secretary)
- Colonial instability: spain’s altering liberal and conservative governments led to
inconsistent policies
- Corruption: bureaucracy became exploitive, especially after the suez canal opening
- Spanish failures: protective tariffs, outdated taxation, and lack of infrastructure
hindered modernization
- Result: filipinos increasingly saw spanish rule as an obstacle to progress.
