Republic Act No. 1425 The Rizal Law

Republic Act No.
1425
The Rizal Law
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 Bill
The Rizal Bill was as controversial as Jose Rizal

himself. 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 becoming a republic act was
not easy as the proposal was met with intense
opposition, particularly from the Catholic Church.
The Proponents of the Rizal Bill
Claro M. Recto – the former Senator, was the main

proponent of the Rizal Bill. He was even dubbed as a
communist and an anti-Catholic. Catholic schools
threatened to stop operation if the bill was passed but
Recto remained undeterred.
Recto explained his firm support for the bill exclaiming
that “the people who would eliminate the books of Rizal
from the schools would blot out the memory of the
national hero.
Jose P. Laurel – the co-writer of the Rizal Law
He 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.
Opponents of Rizal Bill
Debates for the bill ensued next. Opponents, mostly

rabid Catholic senators contended the proposed bill.
Senator Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo , an opposition to the
bill stood up and delivered his speech.
Their arguments were as follows:
1. The bill was an attempt to discredit the Catholic
religion.
Opponents of Rizal Bill
2 Inimical to the tenets of the faith to which 170 lines in

Noli Me Tangere and 59 lines in El Filibusterismo were
offensive to the Church
3. The bill might divide the nation.
4. Compulsion to read something against one’s faith

impaired freedom of speech and religion
From Rizal Bill to Rizal Law
On June 12, 1956 , President Ramon Magsaysay

signed the bill to make it a law, thus giving birth to
Republic Act No. 1425 also known as the Rizal Law.
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 sufficient number of
copies in their libraries and mandate the publication of the
works in major Philippine languages.
Aims of the Rizal Law
Rizal Law aims to accomplish the following goals:
To rededicate the lives of the youth to the ideals of
freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived
and died.
To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his
life and works in shaping the Filipino character.
 To gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the
study of Rizal’s life, works and writings.
Full Implementation of the Rizal Law
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. In 1995, CHED
Memorandum No. 3 was issued enforcing strict compliance to
Memorandum No. 247.
Republic Act No. 229 is an act prohibiting cockfighting, horse

racing and jai-alai on the 30th day of December of each year in every
municipality and for any other purposes.
Importance of Studying Rizal
1. The subject provides insights into how to deal with current
problems.
2. It helps us understand better ourselves.
3. It teaches nationalism and patriotism.
4. It provides various essential life lessons.
5. It helps in developing logical and critical thinking.
6. Rizal can serve as a worthwhile model and inspiration to every
Filipino
7. The subject is a rich source of entertaining narrative.

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Republic Act No.

The Rizal Bill was as controversial as Jose Rizal

Claro M. Recto – the former Senator, was the main

He explained that since Jose Rizal was the founder

Debates for the bill ensued next. Opponents, mostly

2 Inimical to the tenets of the faith to which 170 lines in

3. The bill might divide the nation.

4. Compulsion to read something against one’s faith

On June 12, 1956 , President Ramon Magsaysay

Former President Fidel V. Ramos in 1994, through

Republic Act No. 229 is an act prohibiting cockfighting, horse

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