1. What were the reasons for the filing of the Rizal Bill?

The Rizal bill was filed primarily as a recognition of the growing need for the youth to

give appreciation to our nation. It is to instill heroism and to inculcate in our countrymen

especially the youth the ideals of freedom and nationalism, for which our heroes

dedicated their life for. It also stands as a tribute for our national hero for devoting all his

life for our freedom and for exemplifying what it means to be a Filipino. And more

importantly, it is to shape the Filipino character and to bring out our patriotism that lies

within each and every one of us. The bill was also necessitated by the insurgencies

happening at that time by the Hukbong Laban sa Hapon (hukbalahap) which involved a

guerilla resistance to the Japanese.

2. What condition/s in the Philippines made it necessary to file a bill requiring students to

study the life and works of Rizal?

The Rizal bill was the measure made after the recognition of the need to instill heroism

among the young population of the country. The main motivation behind the passing of

the bill was the circumstances that surrounded the country at that time. It was when the

country was being devastated by insurgencies and the imperialist presence of America

was very influential to our economic and political policies. The countless communist

insurgencies was part of a global effort to contain communism with the conclusion of

Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). On our local scene, the country was being

led by corrupt leaders, which made all the societal problems at that time worst. The 50’s

was a very rough year for us and this was the time when the Rizal Bill was filed, to call

for patriotism from us, Filipinos which our heroes taught us.
3. Did the Rizal bill find easy acceptance? Why?

The bill didn’t make it easy, and there were many exchange of statements and threats

between parties at that time. Particularly, the Catholic Church was against the bill, and

there were also countless movements that push for its enactment. The Philippines, being a

Catholic country (Big portion of the population), is influenced by the teachings of the

Church shaping the mindset of the masses in ways that it divides the public. This is also

the reason behind its enactment, that it was only approved after amendments and it came

at the compromise of both the government and the Church.

4. What were the objections of the Church to the Rizal Bill? Were these justified? Explain.

The Catholic Church charged in strong opposition against the bill. On their side, they

accused Recto (the sponsor of the bill) of being a communist and an Anti-Catholic. They

contested that the novels that Rizal wrote had an anti-clerical theme. They also argued

that those were written back in the time and it wouldn’t have as much of an effect to

today’s society. The Catholic Church also argued that the bill is against the freedom of

consciousness and religion. These objections are not justified because, regarding the

claim that the bill violated freedom of religion, Rizal’s writings are a reflection of reality,

and can be considered important historical documents. Additionally, teaching students

about Rizal and his works is not necessarily an endorsement of his beliefs regarding the

Catholic Church, and can be discussed with a critical lens in the classroom. Regardless of

his beliefs, Rizal is undeniably an important part of Filipino history.

5. Republic Act 1425 (Rizal Law) a compromise law? Why?

The Rizal Law was a compromise law because, prior to its enactment, there were

negotiations on both parties. Each party contested with their own merits, and their

appeals were granted which gave way to the amendments of some provisions and clauses

in the bill. Specifically, the courses were no longer mandated for all levels other than the

tertiary level, and reading Noli Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo became an option

rather than a requirement. The government’s accommodation of the Church’s demands

make it a compromise law.

Submitted by:

#5 Barte, Sophia B.

#14 Esmeralda, Kenneth L.

#18 Hondrada, Tricy Fate S.

#31 Regalado, Angela Grace P.

#39 Tabuso, Megan Fiona Mae F.