University of Eastern Pangasinan

Binalonan, Pangasinan
Module 1
RIZAL LAW

Course Title: Life and Works of Rizal

Course Code:

Name:
Course and Year:
Date and Time Allotment: September 2, 4, 7 (3 hours)

Introduction

Cemented in history as a potent symbol of the nation, Rizal’s heroism was sponsored by the nation
through the Republic Act 1425 (Rizal Law) of June 12, 1956, with the younger generations, the
“Millenials,” receiving much importance. This lesson analyzes the Rizal Law to stress the
significance of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, a national hero and foremost exemplar of Filipino heroism, in
fostering a sense of nationalism, especially to the fair hopes of the nation-the youth.

I. Objectives
At the end of this module, you will:
1. Understand Republic Act 1425, the Rizal Law;
2. Analyze the importance of the Rizal Law; and
3. Value the importance of Law in society.

II. Lecture/Discussions of Lesson/s

What I Need To Know?

The Birth of the Rizal Law

Amidst the destruction of building infrastructures, roads, and bridges brought by World War II, the people saw the
need to rebuild the Filipino identity which was equally affected by the war. Nationalist policy-makers did not waste
any time and painstakingly redirected the nation to the essence of History as a foundation of national hope and pride.
Education became the primary weapon of reorientation while prioritizing the youth as the bearers of the country’s
future.

Jose Rizal was an ideal person for freedom and nationalism hero. He was an obvious platform from a strat since his
name dominates the pantheon of heroes. On April 3, 1956, Senate Bill No. 428 ( AN ACT TO MAKE NOLI ME
TAGERE AND EL FILIBUSTERISMO COMPULSORY READING MATTER IN ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES) was submitted to the Senate Committee on
Education.

Senator Jose P. Laurel, the Chairman of the Committee, sponsored and presented the bill to the members of the
Upper House on April 17, 1956. The main purpose of the bill according to Senator Laurel was to disseminate the
ideas and ideals of Jose Rizal through the reading of his works, notably his novels Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo.

He stated that:
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo must be read by all Filipinos. They
must be taken to heart, for in their pages we see ourselves as in a mirror,
ou defects as well as our strength, our virtues s well as our vices. Only
then would we become conscious as a people, and so learn to prepare 1
ourselves for painful sacrifices that ultimately lead to self-reliance,
self-respect, and freedom (Laurel, Jr., 131).
Debates for the bill in aid of legislation ensued next, albeit not smooth sailing. Opponents, mostly rabid Catholic
senators, contended that the proposal that the proposed bill was too controversial. Their arguments were as follows:

1. The bill was an attempt to discredit the Catholic religion.

2. Inimical to the tenets of the faith to which 170 lines in Noli Me Tangere and 50 lines in El Folibusterismo
were offensive to the Church doctrine.
3. The bill might divide the nation.
4. The compulsion to read something against one’s faith impaired freedom of speech and religious freedom.

The heated exchange continued as part of the democratic process. Opposition to the bill Senator Francisco “Soc”
Rodrigo stood up and delivered his speech.

Senator Claro M. Recto exclaimed that the novels have no intention of discrediting the church. More so, he said that
the bill only aims to contextualize Rizal’s heroism in the face of Spanish tyranny.

Meanwhile, a similar bill (House Bill No, 5561) was filed by Congressman Jacobo Z. Gonzales in the House of
Representatives. As expected, the bill was welcomed by dissenting opinions. Different face but same stance, the bill
was attacked based on its constitutionality and religiosity. With this setback both in the Upper House and the Lower
House, it seemed hopeless for the bill to pass into law in the latter part of April 1956.

The trial of the Rizal Law in Congress (Senate and Huse of Representatives) is a triumph of democracy. On one
hand, the role of the opponents should not be overlooked because their dissenting opinions broadened the scope of
democratic processes. On the other hand, the proponents had perfected their bill because of the criticism they
received. 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.

Republic Act No. 1425, otherwise known as the Rizal Law, was promulgated on June 12, 1956, by Senator Claro M.
Recto. It requires the curricula of private and public schools, colleges, and university courses to include the life,
works, and writings of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, particularly his novels, Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo. Jose P. Laurel was responsible for passing the bill. The law was approved on June 12, 1956, and took
effect immediately.

The law requires that “there is a need for rededication to the ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our hero
lived and died.” It also stresses particularly the two novels of Jose Rizal as basic texts from among the writings of our
national hero. The framers of the law regarded the books as a “constant and inspiring source of patriotism with which
the minds of the youth especially during their formative and decisive years in school suffused.”

• Republic Act No. 1425 or the Rizal Law of 1956 by Sen. Claro M. Recto and company was the legal basis
on why the subject Rizal became a mandatory course at the tertiary level. To adapt to the times, the law has
undergone revisions in the past 50 years.

– House Bill No. 5561

– Senate Bill No. 438

1. Pro–Rizal Law (nationalism, moral

character, duties of citizenship)

1. Sen. Claro M. Recto

2. Sen. Jose Laurel

3. Sen. Roseller Lim

4. Sen. Emmanuel Pelaez

2. Anti–Rizal Law (anti-Catholic)

1. Sen. Soc Rodrigo

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 2. Rep. Miguel Cuenco

The curricular aims of the subject Rizal, including the study of his two novels Noli and Fili, are:

1. Ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived and died

2. Development of moral character

3. Development of personal discipline

4. Development of civic conscience

5. Instruction of the duties of citizenship

III. Application/Activity

What I Can Do?

You begin with the module proper, take this activities to find out how much you already know about
our topic.
Directions:
a. Please go over the questions carefully. You may have a draft first before you answer the questions.
b. Answer the questions completely and concisely. Go straight to the point.
c. Your answers will be evaluated in terms of: a) Responsiveness; b) Clarity and Conciseness; c)
Organization; and d) Honesty.
d. Timely submission of your activity is deemed imperative to avoid deduction of your score.
e. Provide your own worksheets. Place your answers for activity in Yellow Pad Paper.

Activity 1.
Questions:

1. From this lesson, we learned that for every issue there is both a pro and anti stands. In such instances, how can
contending groups still show respect, tact, tolerance, and goodwill to each other? Put your answer on a short bond
paper and not less than 200 words (handwritten).
2. Why are students required to study the life of Jose Rizal?
3. Who sponsored the Rizal Bill in Congress? What are their arguments in support of the bill?
4. What are the arguments of the opposition to the bill?
5. What is the importance of having dissenting opinions in democratic legislation processes?

IV. Assessment

What I Have Learned?

Take this to find out how much have you learned about our topic.
Directions:
a. Please go over the questions carefully. You may have a draft first before you answer the questions.
b. Answer the questions completely and concisely. Go straight to the point.
c. Your answers will be evaluated in terms of: a) Responsiveness; b) Clarity and Conciseness; c)
Organization; and d) Honesty.
d. Timely submission of your activity is deemed imperative to avoid deduction of your score.

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 e. Provide your own worksheets. Place your answers for assessment in Yellow Pad Paper.

Question: Reflect on the importance of law in a democratic society. As a law-abiding citizen, what can you do to
uphold the rule of law? What are the implications when the rule of law is eradicated?

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V. Other References

 Mariano M. Ariola (2013). Life, Works, and Writings of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, 61 Ground
floor, Herald Building, Muralla St. Intramuros, Manila: Purely books trading and
publishing corp.
 Lomibao, Somera, Camus-Rivera, and Dulos, © 2011, Rizal’s life, works and writings,
IPM Publishing, Culiat, Tandang Sora, Quezon City.