THE RIZAL BILL was as controversial as Jose Rizal himself.

The mandatory Rizal subject in the Philippines was the upshot of this bill
which later became law in 1956. The bill involves mandating educational
institutions in the country to offer a course on the hero’s life, works, and
writings, especially the ‘Noli Me Tangere’ and ‘El Filibusterismo’. The
transition from being a bill to become a republic act was however not easy
as the proposal was met with intense opposition particularly from the
Catholic Church. Largely because of the issue, the then-senator Claro M.
Recto—the main proponent of the Rizal Bill—was even dubbed as a
communist and an anti-Catholic. Catholic schools threatened to stop
operation if the bill was passed, though Recto calmly countered the threat,
stating that if that happened, then the schools would be nationalized.
Afterward threatened to be punished in future elections, Recto remained
undeterred.

Concerning the suggestion to use instead of the expurgated (edited) version

of Rizal’s novels as mandatory readings, Recto explained his firm support
for the unexpurgated version, exclaiming: “The people who would eliminate
the books of Rizal from the schools would blot out from our minds the
memory of the national hero. This is not a fight against Recto but a fight
against Rizal.” (Ocampo, 2012, p. 23)

The bill was eventually passed, but with a clause that would allow
exemptions to students who think that reading the Noli and Fili would ruin
their faith. In other words, one can apply to the Department of Education
for exemption from reading Rizal’s novels—though not from taking the Rizal
subject. The bill was enacted on June 12, 1956.

RA 1425 and other Rizal laws

The Rizal Bill became the Republic Act No. 1425, known as the ‘Rizal Law’.
The full name of the law is “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.“

The first section of the law concerns mandating the students to read Rizal’s
novels. The last two sections involve making Rizal’s writings accessible to
the general public—they require the schools to have a sufficient number of
copies in their libraries and mandate the publication of the works in
major Philippine languages.

Jose P. Laurel, then-senator who co-wrote the law, explained that since Jose
Rizal was the founder of the country’s nationalism and had significantly
contributed to the current condition of the nation, it is only right that
Filipinos, especially the youth, know about and learn to imbibe the great
ideals for which the hero died. Accordingly, the Rizal Law aims to
accomplish the following goals:

1. To rededicate the lives of youth to the ideals of freedom and nationalism,

for which our heroes lived and died

2. To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his life and works in
shaping the Filipino character

3. To gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of Rizal’s life,

works, and writings.

So far, no student has yet officially applied for exemption from reading
Rizal’s novels. Correspondingly, former President Fidel V. Ramos in 1994,
through Memorandum Order No. 247, directed the Secretary of Education,
Culture and Sports and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher
Education to fully implement the RA 1425 as there had been reports that
the law had still not been totally carried out. In 1995, CHED Memorandum
No. 3 was issued enforcing strict compliance to Memorandum Order No.
247.

Not known to many, there is another republic act that concerns the national
hero. Republic Act No. 229 is an act prohibiting cockfighting, horse racing,
and jai-alai on the thirtieth day of December of each year and to create a
committee to take charge of the proper celebration of Rizal day in every
municipality and chartered city, and for other purposes.

The Importance of Studying Rizal

The academic subject on the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal was not
mandated by law for anything. Far from being impractical, the course
interestingly offers many benefits that some contemporary academicians
declare that the subject, especially when taught properly, is more beneficial
than many subjects in various curricula.

The following are just some of the significance of the academic

subject:

1. The subject provides insights on how to deal with current problems

There is a dictum, “He who controls the past controls the future.” Our view
of history forms the manner we perceive the present, and therefore
influences the kind of solutions we provide for existing problems. Jose Rizal
course, as a history subject, is full of historical information from which one
could base his decisions in life. In various ways, the subject, for instance,
teaches that being educated is a vital ingredient for a person or country to
be really free and successful.

2. It helps us understand better ourselves as Filipinos

The past helps us understand who we are. We comprehensively define

ourselves not only in terms of where we are going, but also where we come
from. Our heredity, past behaviors, and old habits as a nation are all
significant clues and determinants to our present situation. Interestingly,
the life of a very important national historical figure like Jose Rizal
contributes much to shedding light on our collective experience and identity
as Filipino. The good grasp of the past offered by this subject would help us
in dealing wisely with the present.

3. It teaches nationalism and patriotism

Nationalism involves the desire to attain freedom and political

independence, especially by a country under foreign power, while patriotism
denotes proud devotion and loyalty to one’s nation. Jose Rizal’s life, works,
and writings—especially his novels—essentially, if not perfectly, radiate
these traits. For one thing, the subject helps us to understand our country
better.

4. It provides various essential life lessons

We can learn much from the way Rizal faced various challenges in life. As a
controversial figure in his time, he encountered serious dilemmas and
predicaments but responded decently and high-mindedly. Through the
crucial decisions he made in his life, we can sense his priorities and
convictions which manifest how noble, selfless, and great the national hero
was. For example, his many resolutions exemplified the aphorism that in
this life there are things more important than personal feeling and
happiness.

5. It helps in developing logical and critical thinking

Critical Thinking refers to discerning, evaluative, and analytical thinking. A

Philosophy major, Jose Rizal unsurprisingly demonstrated his critical
thinking skills in his argumentative essays, satires, novels, speeches, and
written debates. In deciding what to believe or do, Rizal also proved his
being a reasonably reflective thinker, never succumbing to the irrational
whims and baseless opinions of anyone. In fact, he indiscriminately
evaluated and criticized even the doctrines of the dominant religion of his
time. A course on Rizal’s life, works, and writings, therefore, is also a lesson
in critical thinking.
6. Rizal can serve as a worthwhile model and inspiration to every Filipino

If one is looking for someone to imitate, then Rizal is a very viable choice.
The hero’s philosophies, life principles, convictions, thoughts, ideals,
aspirations, and dreams are a good influence to anyone. Throughout his life,
he valued nationalism and patriotism, respect for parents, love for siblings,
and loyalty to friends, and maintained a sense of chivalry. As a man of
education, he highly regarded academic excellence, logical and critical
thinking, philosophical and scientific inquiry, linguistic study, and cultural
research. As a person, he manifested versatility and flexibility while
sustaining a strong sense of moral uprightness.

7. The subject is a rich source of entertaining narratives

People love fiction and are even willing to spend on books or movie tickets
just to be entertained by made-up tales. But only a few perhaps know that
Rizal’s life is full of fascinating non-fictional accounts.

For instance, it is rarely known that (1) Rizal was involved in a love triangle
with Antonio Luna as also part of the romantic equation; (2) Rizal was a
model in some of Juan Luna’s paintings; (3) Rizal’s common-law wife
Josephine Bracken was ‘remarried’ to a man from Cebu and had tutored
former President Sergio Osmeña; (4) Leonor Rivera (‘Maria Clara’), Rizal’s
‘true love’, had a son who married the sister of the former President of the
United Nations General Assembly Carlos P. Romulo; (5) the Filipina beauty
queen Gemma Cruz Araneta is a descendant of Rizal’s sister, Maria; (6) the
sportscaster Chino Trinidad is a descendant of Rizal’s ‘first love’ (Segunda
Katigbak); and (7) the original manuscripts of Rizal’s novel (Noli and Fili)
were once stolen for ransom, but Alejandro Roces had retrieved them
without paying even a single centavo.

Introduction of R. A 1425 (Rizal Law)

As mandatory law (R.A 1425), the study of Rizal’s

life, works and writings is a requirement to all degree
and non-degree courses in the tertiary education.
Primarily, its rationale is to foster in the Filipino
youth a nationalistic sentiment both for their
appreciation and emulation.
 As Rizal’s vision is anchored best on thoughts
expressed not only through his actual achievement in
the social circles he moved in, but more importantly in
his writings, a meticulous consideration of them is
assigned literary textual analysis and evaluation.

Laws on Rizal
There are at least two Republic Acts and two Memorandum
Orders pertaining to Jose Rizal:

1. Republic Act N. 1425 or the Rizal Law

2. Republic Act No. 229 or the Celebration of Rizal
Day’
3. Memorandum Order No. 247 by President Fidel V.
Ramos
4. CHED Memorandum No. 3, s 1995 by Commissioner Mona
D. Valismo.

Introduction about the Rizal Law

 Republic Act 1425: Rizal Law was authored by
Senator Claro M. Recto
 It was signed by President Ramon Magsaysay on
June 12, 1956
 It requires the implementation of the Rizal
course as a requirement for graduation in all non-
degree and degree courses in the tertiary education
 It includes the life, works, and writings of Jose
Rizal, particularly his novels, Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo.
 On August 16, 1956, the Rizal Law took effect

Aims of Rizal Law

1. Recognize the relevance of Jose Rizal ideas,

thoughts, teaching, and life-values to present
conditions in the community and country and apply them
 in the solution to day to day situations and problems
of contemporary life.
2. Develop an understanding and appreciation of
the qualities, behavior, and character of Rizal and
thus foster the development of moral character and
personal discipline.

The goals set by the Board on National Education (Capino

et.al, 1997)

1. Recognize the relevance of Rizal’s ideas,

thoughts, teachings, and life values to present
conditions in the Community;
2. Apply Rizal’s ideas in the solution of day-to-
day situations and problems in contemporary life;
3. Develop an understanding and appreciation of the
qualities and behavior and character of Rizal; and
4. Forster development of moral character, personal
discipline, citizenship, and vocational efficiency
among the Filipino Youth.

1.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________

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, 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;
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;
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;
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.
The Board of National Education is hereby authorized
and directed to adopt forthwith measures to implement
and carry out the provisions of this Section, including
the writing and printing of appropriate primers,
readers and textbooks. The Board shall, within sixty
(60) 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. The Board shall promulgate
rules and regulations providing for the exemption of
students for reasons of religious belief stated in a
sworn written statement, from the requirement of the
provision contained in the second part of the first
paragraph of this section; but not from taking the
course provided for in the first part of said
paragraph. Said rules and regulations shall take effect
thirty (30) days after their publication in the
Official Gazette.
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.
The Board of National Education shall determine the
adequacy of the number of books, depending upon the
enrollment of the school, college or university.
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.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its
approval.
Approved: June 12, 1956
Senate Bill No. 438
House Bill No. 5561
Archbishop of Manila - bishop Rufino Santos
Mayor of Manila – Arsenio Lacson
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_____________________

What is the RA 1425 or the Rizal Law?

RA 1425, also commonly known as Rizal Law, was a law
signed by President Ramon Magsaysay on June 12, 1956
that requires all schools in the country include
Rizal’s life, works and writings in the curriculum. The
rationale behind the law was that there is a need of
rekindle and deepen the sense of nationalism and
freedom of the people, especially of the youth. The law
sought to cultivate character, discipline, and
conscience and to teach the obligations of citizenship.
Libraries are required to keep sufficient copies of
Rizal’s writings, especially Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo. Language barrier and poverty-related
restrictions were taken out of the equation with
provisions such as translation of Rizal’s writings into
English, Filipino and other major Philippine Languages
and the free charge distribution through Purok
Organizations and Barrio Councils.
The main proponent of the law was Senator Claro M.
Recto who was met by protestants from the Catholic
Church. Senator Jose P. Laurel Sr., then Chairman of
the Committee on Education sponsored the bill in the
senate.
Senator Laurel Senator Rector

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 229

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT COCKFIGHTING, HORSE
RACING AND JAI-ALAI ON THE THIRTIETH DAY
OF DECEMBER OF EACH YEAR AND TO CREATE
A COMMITTEE TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE
PROPER CELEBRATION OF RIZAL DAY IN
EVERY MUNICIPALITY AND CHARTERED CITY,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
SECTION 1. The existing laws and regulations to the
contrary notwithstanding, cockfighting, horse racing
and jai-alai are hereby prohibited on the thirtieth day
of December of each year, the date of the martyrdom of
our great hero, Jose Rizal.
SECTION 2. It shall be the official duty of the mayor
of each municipality and chartered city to create a
committee to take charge of the proper observance of
Rizal Day Celebration of each year, in which he shall
be the chairman, which shall be empowered to seek the
assistance and cooperation of any department, bureau,
office, agency or instrumentality of the Government,
and the local civic and educational institutions. Among
the ceremonies on Rizal Day shall be the raising of the
Philippine flag at half mast in all vessels and public
buildings.
SECTION 3. Any person who shall violate the provisions
of this Act or permit or allow the violation thereof,
shall be punished by a fine of not exceeding two
hundred pesos or by imprisonment not exceeding six
months, or both, at the discretion of the court. In
case he is the mayor of a municipality or a chartered
city he shall suffer an additional punishment of
suspension from his office for a period of one month.
In case of partnerships, corporations or associations,
the criminal liability shall devolve upon the
president, director, or any other official responsible
for the violation thereof.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved: June 9, 1948

Explanation:

Rizal Day
Mangubat gave three reasons explaining why Rizal's
death served as a turning point to the nationalistic
hopes of the countrymen: First is that it served as a
signal to the Katipunan to raise up arms against the
Spaniards and begin the revolution. It is important to
note that it was not formed after the death of Rizal,
rather, the event at Bagumbayan on December 30
crystallized the motives of the organization. Second,
his execution also served as a realization to the elite
that they weren't an exemption to the despotism of the
Spanish rule. Many other sectors joined in the
Katipunan as the revolutionary and nationalistic mind
began to settle on them. Lastly, because the event
happened at the turn of the century, it was also
significantly considered as a "New Beginning" for the
country.
 Emilio Aguinaldo gave the first decree to declare
December 30 as "national day of mourning" and as
anniversary of Jose Rizal's death. To observe this, he
ordered that all flags must be hoisted at half-mast on
December 29 and on the following day, there would be no
government offices. The first ever monument of Rizal
erected was on Daet, Camarines Norte and its unveiling
is simultaneous to the first observance of Rizal Day on
December 30, 1898 by the Club Filipino. February 1,
1902, the Philippine Commission ordained Act no. 345
which issues December 30 as Rizal Day and as national
holiday observed each year.
According to Ambeth Ocampo, oftentimes, heroes are
remembered more on their deaths than their births.
However, Mangubat mentions that the death of Rizal
would not have that been more meaningful were it not
for birth and life spent for the betterment of our
country. There are many moves that wish to change the
date of Rizal Day to June 19 because it has a more
positive sense and that it is close to June 12 and May
28 which are the Philippine Independence Day and the
National Flag Day, respectively. On the other hand,
December 30 is nearer to the much more celebrated
holidays of Christmas and New Year which often
overshadow the hero's celebration. For me personally,
although his birth date is a much more joyous
celebration, his death can be a better perspective to
look at the entirety of Rizal's life and why he was
willing to die for the sake of his love for the
country.

____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
_
MEMORANDUM ORDER No. 247
 DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION,
CULTURE AND SPORTS AND THE CHAIRMAN
OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION
TO FULLY IMPLEMENT REPUBLIC ACT NO.
1425 ENTITLED "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, Republic Act No. 1425 approved on June 12,

1956, directs all schools, colleges and universities,
public and private, to include in their curricula,
courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal,
particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo which "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;"

WHEREAS, according to Dr. Rizal, "the school is the

book in which is written the future of the nation;"

WHEREAS, in 1996, the Filipino people will commemorate

the centennial of Rizal’s martyrdom and, two years
thereafter, the centennial of the Declaration of
Philippine Independence; and

WHEREAS, as we prepare to celebrate these watershed

events in our history, it is necessary to rekindle in
the heart of every Filipino, especially the youth, the
same patriotic fervor that once galvanized our
forebears to outstanding achievements so we can move
forward together toward a greater destiny as we enter
the 21st century.

NOW, THEREFORE, I FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the

Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers
vested in me by law, hereby direct the Secretary of
Education, Culture and Sports and the Chairman of the
Commission on Higher Education to take steps to
immediately and fully implement the letter, intent and
spirit of Republic Act No. 1425 and to impose, should
it be necessary, appropriate disciplinary action
against the governing body and/or head of any public or
private school, college or university found not
complying with said law and the rules, regulations,
orders and instructions issued pursuant thereto.

Within thirty (30) days from issuance hereof, the

Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the
Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education are
hereby directed to jointly submit to the President of
the Philippines a report on the steps they have taken
to implement this Memorandum Order, and one (1) year
thereafter, another report on the extent of compliance
by both public and private schools in all levels with
the provisions of R.A. No. 1425.

This Memorandum Order takes effect immediately after

its issuance.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 26th day of December

in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-
Four.
________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
 Former President Fidel V. Ramos in 1994 through
Memorandum Order no.247, directed the Secretary of
Education, Culture and Sports and the Chairman of the
Commission on the Higher Education to fully implement
the RA 1425.
In the year 1995, CHED Memorandum Order No. 3 was
issued enforcing strict compliance to Memorandum Order
no. 247 Republic Act No. 229 is an act prohibiting
cockfighting horse. The said Memorandum Order issued by
the CHED Commissioner Mona Valisno enforcing strict
compliance to Memorandum Order No. 247

___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_________________________

CHED MEMORANDUM NO. 3,s. 1995

Commission on Higher Education
Office of the President of the Philippines

January 13, 1995

CHED Memorandum
No.3,s. 1995
To:
Head of State Colleges and Universities
Head of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities
Office of the President Memorandum Order No. 247

Re: Implementation of Republic Act No. 1425

1. Enclosed is a copy of Memorandum Order No. 247

dated December 26, from the Office of the President of
the Philippines entitled, "Directing Secretary of
Education, Culture and Sports and the CHAIRMAN OF
 COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION to fully implement the
Republic Act No. 1425 entitled "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" for guidance of all concerned.
2. Strict compliance therewith is requested.

(sgd) MONA D. VALISNO

Commissioner
Officer-in-Charge
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_________________________

WHY STUDY RIZAL?

Aside from those mentioned above, there are other
reasons for teaching the Rizal course in Philippine
schools:

1. To recognize the importance of Rizal’s ideals

and teachings in relation to present conditions and
situations in the society.
2. To encourage the application of such ideals in
current social and personal problems and issues.
3. To develop an appreciation and deeper
understanding of all that Rizal fought and died for.
4. To foster the development of the Filipino youth
in all aspects of citizenship.

Take note, Rizal’s legacy is very important in changing

the condition of our present society. His teachings
challenge us all Filipinos to make a difference for the
future of our country by living the teachings of
Rizal. Likewise, it teaches us to be more responsible
and braver enough to face the challenges in our present
society by acting on the principles that Rizal had
strongly spoken and lived.