Jose Rizal and the Rizal Law (RA 1425)

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the historical context of the Rizal Law (Republic Act No. 1425), its proponents and opposition, and the official criteria for defining a national hero in the Philippines.

Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda

The full name of the Philippine national hero who was considered the first exponent of Asian nationalism.

Republic Act No. 1425

Better known as the Rizal Law, it mandates that courses on the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal be included in the curricula of all schools, colleges, and universities.

Claro M. Recto

The original author of the Rizal Bill who believed in instilling heroism among the youth.

Bell Trade Act of 1947

A law that granted parity rights to Americans, allowing them to exploit the natural resources of the Philippines.

1955 Laurel-Langley Agreement

An agreement that ensured the free entry of American products, which resulted in Filipinos preferring American goods over local ones.

Fr. Jesus Cavanna

An opponent of the Rizal Bill who claimed Rizal's novels contained 120 anti-church statements and only 25 patriotic ones.

Jesus Paredes

A critic who argued that Rizal's novels contained objectionable matter and that Catholics had the right to refuse reading them to protect their faith.

Notable Persons Who Tried to Block the Rizal Bill

Incudes Sen. Decoroso Rosales, Francisco 'Soc' Rodrigo, and Sen. Mariano Cuenco.

Senator Jose P. Laurel

The author of the compromise Rizal bill which was based on proposals from Senators Roseller Lim and Emmanuel Pelaez.

June 12, 1956

The date Republic Act No. 1425 was signed into law by President Ramon Magsaysay.

Section 1 of RA 1425

Specifies that the original or unexpurgated editions of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo must be used as basic texts in collegiate courses.

Presidential Memorandum Order 247

Issued by President Fidel Ramos on Dec. 26, 1994, directing the full implementation of R.A. 1425.

National Historical Institute

The organization (formerly known as the National Heroes Commission) that released the criteria defining a national hero in 1965.

Teodoro Agoncillo

A figure who proposed 1965 criteria for recognizing heroes based on sacrifice, motive, and moral character.

Onofre D. Corpuz

Proposed 1993 hero criteria stating heroes must have a concept of nation and contribute to a system of freedom and order.

Alfredo Lagmay

Proposed 1995 hero criteria stating a hero is part of the people's expression and thinks of future generations.

The 1995 Recommendation

The National Heroes Committee recommended 9 historical figures to be declared as National Heroes, but no official action was taken.