THE RIZAL LAW (REPUBLIC ACT 1425)

HOUSE BILL 5561/SENATE BILL 438

LESSON OBJECTIVES:

To present the history and contents of RA 1425

To know the different issues surrounding RA 1425 based on
perspectives of different authors, scholars and historians.
To understand the impact of RA 1425
To relate RA 1425 to the study of literature
To learn about the 19th century Philippines on Rizal’s context
To realize the importance of studying Rizal in the 21st Century
THE RIZAL LAW (REPUBLIC ACT 1425)
This unit introduces the learners to the concept of the Rizal Law (RA
1425) - contents and provisions.
• history behind the bill and what necessitated the author to propose
such bill
• presents issues behind deliberation and approval of the law focusing
on the arguments made by both the proponents and opponents of the
Law
• discusses why RA 1425 is a landmark legislation that brought
literature and nationalism together in an attempt to decolonize
Philippine culture
• importance of studying Rizal in the 21st Century.
THE RIZAL LAW (REPUBLIC ACT 1425)

The Rizal Law (Republic Act 1425)

 
Republic Act No. 1425, known as the Rizal Law, mandates all
educational institutions in the Philippines to offer courses about Jose
Rizal. 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 RIZAL LAW (REPUBLIC ACT 1425)
The Context of the Rizal Bill

• Immediately after the Second World War, problems and challenges

were rampant in the Philippines, and getting the country to recover
from the wrath brought by the war was the immediate concern of the
Filipino people and their government. 
• Among those who were at the forefront of initiatives to bring the
Philippines back to its glory as a nation by instilling nationalism and
patriotism was Sen. Claro M. Recto. Senator Claro M. Recto filed a
measure which became the original Rizal Bill.

 
THE RIZAL LAW (REPUBLIC ACT 1425)
The Context of the Rizal Bill
 
• However, this was met with stiff opposition from the Catholic
Church. 
• During the 1955 Senate election, the church charged Recto with being
a communist and an anti-Catholic
• like Senator Recto, Senator Laurel believed that this bill will help in
noble intent of bringing back the pride of the Philippine nation
• but Fr. Jesus Cavanna argued that the novels belonged to the past and
that teaching them would misrepresent current conditions 
• Radio commentator Jesus Paredes also said that Catholics had the right
to refuse to read them as it would endanger their salvation.
THE RIZAL LAW (REPUBLIC ACT 1425)

The Context of the Rizal Bill

 
• The Senate Committee on Education sponsored a bill co-written by
both José P. Laurel and Recto, with the only opposition coming from
Francisco Soc Rodrigo, Mariano Jesús Cuenco, and Decoroso
Rosales. 
• Laurel however retained the clause in the bill that the novels be read
and taught in its unexpurgated versions and nothing else. The bill was
enacted on June 12, 1956, Flag Day. 
 
THE RIZAL LAW (REPUBLIC ACT 1425)

Why Study Rizal?

 Now in the 21st century, the challenge for educators is to present to

students the practicality of studying Rizal.
• It is of great importance that students understand that studying Rizal is
important:
• it provides insights on how we will deal with present issues and
problems;
• helps us to better understand how and what it is to be a Filipino. It
teaches us nationalism and patriotism;
• helps develop logical and critical thinking;
• provides various essential life lessons; a rich source of
entertaining narratives; and Rizal can serve as a worthwhile
model and inspiration to every Filipino.
CONNECTING THE PAST WITH THE PRESENT: SEEING
JOSE RIZAL IN THE 21ST CENTURY EVERYDAY LIFE

More than any period in history, it is today that there is a need

for a rededication to the ideals of freedom and nationalism
for which our heroes lived and died.

Freedom
Filipino Heroes The Present
(i.e., 1950s)

Nationalism
It is 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…

Life

Filipinos Jose Rizal National

Character

Works
The life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal 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.

Life

Noli Me Filipino
Jose Rizal Patriotism
Tangere youth

Works El Filibusterismo
All educational institutions are under the supervision of and subject to regulation by
the State, and all schools are enjoined to develop a moral character, personal
discipline, civic conscience, and to teach the duties of citizenship

Moral Character

State Schools Civic Conscience

Citizenship
SEEING RIZAL IN OUR CONTEMPORARY LIVES

• Connections between the past and the present not always

causal
• Make Rizal “relatable” (and maybe more interesting) – make
our heroes more human
• See the past in the present and the present in the past
• Helps understand the past
• Focus STILL on nationalism/nation-hood/ nation-building per
RA 1425