TASK 1 - PAGE 8 (BSA 1C_RANDENE MARIE Y.

BUENAFE)

Questions

1. What is the major argument raised by Senator Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo

against the passage of the Rizal Bill?

During the 1955 Senate election, the Rizal Bill was met with stiff opposition
from the Catholic Church mandating the reading of Rizal’s novels Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo, claiming it was a straightforward assault and disrespect to the
Church.
Francisco Rodrigo, including two other Senators negatively criticized the bill
with a major argument declaring it would violate freedom of conscience and religion.
He also states that it damages the Rule Law of 1933 and contends that Recto was
being a communist and that the book was clearly anti-catholic.

2. What what the major argument raised by Senators Jose P. Laurel and Claro
M. Recto in support of the passage of the Rizal Bill?

Sen. Claro M. Recto and Sen. Jose P. Laurel defended the bill and argued that
the only objective of the bill is to keep the memory of the national hero alive in every
Filipino's mind, to emanate Rizal as he peacefully fought for freedom, and not to go
against religion.

3. Are there points of convergence between the supporters and opposers of the
Rizal Bill based on these statements?

Yes, indeed. Based on both statements regarding the bill, there are points of
agreement between the supporters and opposers since the thoughts and ideas are
connected such a way that it educates Filipino people to protect what we do have,
particularly our religion or morality.