JUSTICE G.
DIAMANTE BS BIO 2A
COMPARING AND CONSTRACTING CATHOLIC CHURCH OBJECTION TO RIZAL BILL AND RH
BILL
Senator Claro M. Recto, a good statesman, suggested in 1955 that all Philippine schools teach
students about Jose Rizal's life and works. The measure was passed in 1956 and is now known
as Rizal Law or Republic Act 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 of the Same, and for Other Purposes. As a result of the law, "Rizal" is an obligatory
topic in most Philippine colleges. However, the Catholic church continued to oppose the bill
mandating the reading of Rizal's novels Noli Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo, claiming it would
violate freedom of conscience and religion.
The Catholic Church has opposed the Reproductive Health Bill for decades. Despite the fact
that it has already been signed into law, the church continues to resist it. And the question to
ponder is "why?". Well, one of the grounds for the church's opposition to this law is that it is
considered "anti-life." The reproductive health law encourages the use of "contraception" and
encourages the widespread distribution of sex education, particularly among young people.
Proponents of the bill say it will address the problem of teen pregnancy and overpopulation.
The majority of us see nothing wrong with it. After all, teen pregnancy is becoming a social
issue, and excessive pollution isn't good for a developing country like the Philippines.
Regardless of our opinions, the church sees immorality and corruption in the use of
contraception, and they do not accept it. They insist they have a better solution to the
problems of teenage pregnancy and overpopulation that is morally acceptable. .
In conclusion, the Catholic Church has a strong influence on people's views on society. For
us, it's like having a second government. They may be correct at times, but not all of the time.
At the end of the day, it is up to us to make the decision, and we all have various perspectives
on societal issues. Furthermore, the ability to express yourself and the ability to influence
others is quite important while making a decision, and it must be used correctly. It's critical to
analyze all of the elements that contribute to the problem. Like the RH Bill, which was enacted
in response to the country's overpopulation and the importance of family planning.
