GE9- HORACIO DE LA COSTA & THE BISHOPS

Horacio de la Costa

A Jesuit priest and historian asked to draft a pastoral letter for the Catholic bishops regarding Rizal’s novels. He provided a balanced perspective, arguing that the novels criticized abuses, not the Church itself.

Fr. Jesus Cavanna

The principal author of the bishops’ final statement in 1956. He altered Father de la Costa’s drafts to present a more negative view of Rizal’s novels, contributing to the strict prohibition of the books for Catholics.

Claro M. Recto

The senator who introduced the Rizal Bill of 1956, which aimed to make Rizal’s novels mandatory reading in all schools. His proposal sparked the controversy between the Church and the state.

José P. Laurel

A senator and co-sponsor of the Rizal Bill. He supported the bill as part of promoting nationalism and the secular education system.

Archbishop Rufino J. Santos

The head of the Catholic Welfare Organization and signatory of the bishops’ statement against the Rizal Bill. He was known for his strict stance on Church doctrine and opposition to the novels.

Senator Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo

A key defender of the Church’s position in the Senate during the debate over the Rizal Bill. He proposed a compromise that allowed students to be exempted from reading the novels if it violated their religious beliefs.

Dean Jose M. Hernandez

Dean of the University of the East and an academic who collaborated with Father de la Costa by providing passages from Noli Me Tangere for review.

Wenceslao Retana

Historian and biographer of José Rizal who provided context and interpretations of Rizal’s letters and writings.

Reynaldo Ileto

A historian who analyzed the efforts of the 1950s to create a new nationalist vision for the Philippines in the post-independence era.

1887

The publication of Noli Me Tangere by José Rizal. The novel highlighted the social cancer and injustices in Philippine society under Spanish rule.

1891

The publication of El Filibusterismo, the sequel to Noli Me Tangere. It depicted the further deterioration of Philippine society and called for radical change.

April 4, 1956

The Rizal Bill was introduced by Senator Claro M. Recto. This date marks the beginning of the intense debates between the state and the Church.

April 21, 1956

The Catholic bishops released their official statement condemning the compulsory reading of Rizal’s novels in schools. This led to further public debate.