Ra 1425 Rizal Law

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
Republic Act No. 1425, known as the Rizal Law, mandates all
educational institutions in the Philippines to offer courses about José 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”. Because of the anti-clerical themes of Noli
Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo, the Roman Catholic Church in the
Philippines strongly opposed the bill.
 Anti-clericalism is opposition to religious authority, typically in social or

political matters. It seeks to separate the church from public and political
life. They would argue that the novels contain passages that were harmful
to Catholic beliefs and teachings.
Objectives of Rizal Law

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.
4. 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 character, civic conscience, and to teach the duties of citizenship.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine
Congress Assembled:
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;
 This document was written in 1956, during Magsaysay's administration,

when the Philippines was still recuperating from Japanese occupation and
was heavily reliant on US governance. Freedom and nationalistic ideals
were critical during those times since the Philippines was still fighting for
independence and gradually creating its national identity and integrity.
 There was also chaos among Filipinos during those times, since there
were multiple uprisings against the Philippine government. Furthermore,
despite the fact that this document was created decades ago, it is still
noteworthy since this paragraph is very relevant or timely for our
generation.
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;
 Definitely, we should pay honor to our national hero for devoting his life
and works in shaping the Filipino character. The history helps us
comprehend who we are. We identify ourselves not just in terms of where
we are heading, but also of where we've 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.
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;
 Patriotism emphasizes proud dedication and devotion to one's country,

whereas nationalism describes the desire to achieve freedom and political
independence. Jose Rizal's life, works, and writings, particularly his
novels, fundamentally, if not precisely, embody these attributes. For one
thing, the subject allows us to better comprehend our country.
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,
 It is vital to use our educational institutions to impart these ideals in

students during their prime years of growth and learning. Individuals
formulate their priorities and career paths in life during their educational
years, particularly at the college level, and it is critical that institutions
make students realize that the country should be a part of their priorities
and that serving one's country is an innate and inborn duty for all.
Furthermore, instilling a profound and real moral character as well as a
strong sense of personal discipline in the youth would produce
competent, sincere, and selfless Filipinos of the future who would
transform the Philippines from a poor country to a globally competitive
nation.
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 1 states that the courses on the life, works, and writings of Jose
Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo shall
be included in the curricula of all schools and the original copy must be
used maintaining that the content should not be revised nor deleted any
part of the novels. It also states that the exemption from studying these
writings is because of religious beliefs in a sworn statement.
 This encourages Filipinos to feel more patriotic at an era of declining

Filipino identity. Let us take for an example, in the show PBB wherein
the picture quiz bee that was part of the Head of Household challenge.
The teen housemates wrongly named the three martyred priests known as
Gomburza as "Majoha". They were also quizzed about national hero Dr.
Jose Rizal's nickname. One of the contestants said it was "J. Rizal," while
the other correctly answered "Pepe." GomBurZa is literally the easiest
thing you would know in Philippine history. It feels like our history is in
crisis. It is frightening that this generation could quickly forget our
history.
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 2 states that all schools must have in their libraries the sufficient
copies of the writings and works of Rizal, as well as its unedited and
translated editions, and the number of copies must be in proportion to the
number of students. This makes them more accessible to a larger
audience.
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 3 states that the Board of National Education must handle the
translation of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo as well as the other
writings of Rizal into English and other dialects to be distributed to the
people in cheap prices especially through the Purok and Barrios.
 It is really beneficial to provide a specific method for carrying out this

act. It helps to make the objective SMART - specific, measurable,
attainable, realistic, and time-bound. It is also critical that the effects of
this act be felt by all students, including those who are struggling
financially. It is admirable that the poor are effectively represented in the
context of this act and that it is accessible regardless of race, social status,
or language barriers.
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 4 states that this act does not alter the section 927 of the
administrative code in prohibiting any persons engaged in any public
schools to discuss religious doctrines.
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 5 states that, the authorized amount of 300,000 pesos is enough to

pursue and implement the purpose of this act according to National
Treasury.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved: June 12, 1956
Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 52, No. 6, p. 2971 in June 1956.
Realizations:
When it comes to whether it is well implemented, I believe it is not. It is
for these key reasons that the priorities and points of view for education now
differ. Actually, most schools would find it difficult to comply with this law.
Most schools nowadays, particularly public schools, do not even have adequate
student accommodations. The schools are overcrowded to the point that pupils
are sitting on the floor. There is a significant issue with financing and
establishing schools for children; how much more so with supplying them
books? The government does not have adequate finances for education,
especially given the country's ever-increasing population. Because of these
factors, the objectives of this legislation could not be realized in the manner
intended. But, because to the perseverance of the patient teachers, I believe that,
despite the difficulties, the students are slowly and carefully learning about
history and Rizal.
Senate bill 438 known as Rizal Bill which was first authored by Senator
Claro M. Recto – requiring the inclusion in the curricula of all private and
public schools, colleges and universities the life, works and writings of Jose
Rizal particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo – is
considered as one of the most controversial bills in the Philippines.
Senator Recto brought the bill to the Senate and Senator Jose B. Laurel
Sr. who was then the Chairman of the Committee on Education sponsored the
bill that consequently led to exchange of arguments from the Congress.
Senators who opposed the bill:
1. Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo
2. Mariano Cuenco
3. Decoroso Rosales
Groups who opposed the bill:
1. Catholic Action of the Philippines
2. Congregation of the Mission
3. Knights of Columbus
4. Catholic Teachers Guild
Groups who supported the bill:
1. Veteranos de la Revolucion
2. Alagad ni Rizal
3. Freemasons
4. Knights of Rizal

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REPUBLIC ACT NO.

AN ACT TO INCLUDE IN THE CURRICULA OF ALL PUBLIC AND

 Anti-clericalism is opposition to religious authority, typically in social or

Objectives of Rizal Law

 This document was written in 1956, during Magsaysay's administration,

 Patriotism emphasizes proud dedication and devotion to one's country,

WHEREAS, all educational institutions are under the supervision of, and

 It is vital to use our educational institutions to impart these ideals in

The Board of National Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt

 This encourages Filipinos to feel more patriotic at an era of declining

 It is really beneficial to provide a specific method for carrying out this

SECTION 5. The sum of three hundred thousand pesos is hereby authorized to

 Section 5 states that, the authorized amount of 300,000 pesos is enough to

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: June 12, 1956

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