TOPIC 1 RIZAL LAW NO. 1425 (SECTIONS AND CHARACTERS)

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425

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 because this was declared because?

1. 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;

2. 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;

3. 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;

4. 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.

60

The Board shall, within ____ 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.

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.

To make Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo compulsory reading in all public and private colleges and universities.

What was the original purpose of Senate Bill No. 438?

Senator Jose P. Laurel (sponsor) and Senator Claro M. Recto (original author of the bill).

Who were the main proponents of the Rizal Bill in the Senate?

Senators Francisco Rodrigo, Mariano J. Cuenco, and Decoroso Rosales, all identified with the Catholic Church.

Who led the opposition in the Senate?

Senators Francisco Rodrigo, Mariano J. Cuenco, and Decoroso Rosales, all identified with the Catholic Church.

Who led the opposition in the Senate?

That compulsory reading of Rizal’s novels violated religious freedom and conscience, as the books were seen as anti-Catholic.

What was the main argument of the opposition?

They issued a pastoral letter condemning the novels, organized symposiums, lobbied senators, and urged Catholics to oppose the bill.

What was the Catholic hierarchy’s role in the debate?

He argued that Rizal was not attacking religion but criticizing the misconduct of some clergy, and that the novels portrayed the true social and political conditions of the time.

How did Recto respond to claims that the novels were anti-Catholic?

It removed the word “compulsory” and instead required courses on Rizal’s life, works, and writings, with exemptions for students on religious grounds.

What was the key compromise in the substitute bill proposed by Laurel?

It allowed students to be exempted from reading the unexpurgated versions of the novels if they swore a written statement of religious objection.

What was the “Primicias amendment”?

June 12, 1956, by President Ramon Magsaysay.

When and who was Republic Act No. 1425 signed into law?

He believed reading Rizal’s works would strengthen nationalism and Filipinism among the youth.

According to Constantino, why did Recto support the Rizal Bill so strongly?

They warned that Catholic schools might close if the bill passed, to which Recto responded by advocating for the nationalization of all schools.

What threat did the Catholic Church make during the debates?

The Speaker prevented amendments and reused the Senate bill’s printed copies to meet the 3-day distribution rule before the final vote.

How did the House of Representatives expedite the bill’s passage?

Recto denounced Yap as a “modern-day Torquemada” and condemned church interference in state affairs.

What was Recto’s reaction to Bishop Yap’s warning about electoral punishment?

From compulsory reading of the novels → required courses on Rizal’s life and works, with exemptions allowed for religious reasons.

How did the bill change from its original to final version?

He questioned U.S. sovereignty over military bases in the Philippines and sought clarification after Nixon’s 1956 visit.

What broader nationalist issue Recto engage in after the Rizal Bill?