HANDOUT 1
The Rizal Law, officially designated as Republic Act No. 1425, is a
Philippine law mandating all educational institutions in the
country to offer courses on the life, works, and writings of José
Rizal. The law is particularly focused on Rizal's novels, Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which are required readings for
college students.
History and Objectives
Authored by Senator Claro M. Recto and sponsored by Senator
José P. Laurel, the Rizal Law was enacted on June 12, 1956, aiming
to instill nationalism and patriotism in Filipino youth. This was
especially important during a period when the Philippines was still
recovering from Japanese occupation and heavily reliant on
American governance.
Key Provisions of RA 1425
1. Mandatory Rizal Courses: Requires all schools, colleges, and
universities to include courses on Rizal’s life, works, and writings
in their curricula. The Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo novels
are central to these courses.
2. Library Requirements: Mandates schools to keep an adequate
number of Rizal’s novels, other works, and biographies in their
libraries.
3. Translation and Distribution: Requires Rizal’s writings to be
translated into English, Tagalog, and major Philippine dialects and
distributed cheaply to the public.
4. Religious Exemptions: Allows students with conscientious
objections due to religious beliefs to be exempted from reading
the novels, but they must still take the Rizal course.
5. Funding: Allocates government funds for the translation,
printing, and distribution of Rizal's works to facilitate its
implementation.
Controversy and Amendments
The Rizal Law faced significant opposition, primarily from the
Catholic Church, which argued that Rizal's writings, particularly
his critiques of the clergy and certain Catholic practices, violated
freedom of conscience and religion. The Church suggested
alternative reading materials to Rizal's novels. To address these
concerns, amendments were made to the law, including
exempting students who felt reading Rizal's novels might
negatively impact their faith.
Impact and Significance
The Rizal Law aims to promote nationalism and patriotism by
highlighting Rizal’s contributions to Philippine identity and
encourage critical thinking about societal issues raised in his
works. It also seeks to preserve Rizal’s legacy as a national hero
and martyr.
Other Relevant Republic Acts
- Republic Act No. 229: This act, passed on June 9, 1948, regulates
the observance of Rizal Day every December 30th,
commemorating Rizal's death. It prohibits activities like
cockfighting, horse racing, and jai alai on that day to ensure a
solemn and respectful commemoration. It mandates the creation
of Rizal Day committees in each municipality and chartered city
to organize and oversee appropriate ceremonies.
- Memorandum Order No. 247: Issued on December 26, 1994, by
President Fidel V. Ramos, this memorandum reinforces the strict
implementation of Republic Act No. 1425 (Rizal Law) across all
educational institutions. It addresses gaps in compliance with the
decades-old Rizal Law, aiming to ensure its full implementation.
Conclusion
The Rizal Law is a cornerstone of Philippine education, shaping
national consciousness and promoting critical thinking about the
nation's past and present. It ensures that the legacy of J**** R****
continues to inspire and guide future generations of Filipinos.
