TOPIC 1 (TIMELINE)

April 3, 1956

Senate Bill No. 438 (Rizal Bill) filed by the Committee on Education, supported by all but 3 senators.

April 19, 1956

House Bill No. 5561 (identical to Senate Bill No. 438) introduced by Congressman Jacobo Z. Gonzales.

April 23, 1956

Senate debates begin; Senators Claro M. Recto, Mariano J. Cuenco, Francisco Rodrigo, and Decoroso Rosales are key figures.

May 2, 1956

House Committee on Education recommends approval of House Bill No. 5561 without amendment.

May 5, 1956

Recto delivers privilege speech criticizing church interference.

May 9, 1956

House debates begin; tensions rise. Senator Laurel proposes substitute bill to remove “compulsory” reading.

May 12, 1956

Senate unanimously approves substitute bill on second reading after amendment by Senator Primicias allowing exemption for religious reasons.

May 14, 1956

House Majority Leader Tolentino sponsors identical substitute bill; approved on second reading despite opposition.

May 17, 1956

Senate Bill No. 438 and House Bill No. 5561 approved on third reading in their respective chambers.

June 12, 1956

President Ramon Magsaysay signs the bill into law as Republic Act No. 1425 (Rizal Law).

1955 (prior context)

Recto performs poorly in senatorial elections, partly due to opposition from Catholic voters (mentioned in Constantino’s text).

July 9, 1956

U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon visits the Philippines and issues joint statement on Philippine sovereignty over U.S. bases—Recto seeks clarification.