ACTIVITY NO.

1 - SEPTEMBER 5, 2022
TOPIC: CONTEXT AND ISSUES OF RA 1425

1. Compare and contrast the views of those in favor and those against RA 1425.
Considering the context of the1950’s, would similar arguments have force today?
Fast forward to the future, after more than a century, the name Jose Rizal remains to be relevant and
widely known. With his vast influence in the history of the Philippines, a law, specifically, RA
1425was proposed by Senator Claro M. Recto. Until this day, this law is still being enforced —
continuing the mandatory inclusion of Rizal’s life and work in the curricula of public and private
schools. RA 1425 was successfully signed and approved into effectivity. However, in the early days,

it received major criticisms from numerous people and groups. Firstly, the views of the supporters of
RA 1425 are primarily founded on the understanding of the great nationalism and patriotism that
could be ignited in the young minds of the country through Jose Rizal. They further explain that
implementing the law would give remarkable results. It will be a great source of insights about
current problems, life lessons, and inspiration. Additionally, it would also substantially help the
youth discover and define their identity as Filipinos and encourage critical thinking. Evidently, they
have highlighted the multiple advantages that reflect the values and beliefs that the
Philippines constantly uphold. Similarly, the Roman Catholic church, Sen. Decoroso Rosales, and
many others who oppose the law establish their argument according to the country’s prominent
principles. The Philippines is a religious country. Thus, the people have serious respect
for the church and its practices. For this reason, the disparity between their opinions lies in the

claim that RA 1425 violates Filipino religious freedom. In terms of arbitration, the bill did not receive
unanimous approval. The bill's passage has been hampered by opponents, particularly Catholic religious
groups. Former Senator Claro M. Recto is the bill’s author, while former Senator Jose P. Laurel is a co-
sponsor purpose of the proposed bill, according to those who supported and fought for it to pass, is to
encourage dedication to the ideals of freedom, patriotism, and nationalism for which our heroes have lived,
fought, and died. clerics are harmed by the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. On the other
hand, some claim that José P. Rizal's writings alienate readers and contradict numerous Christian principles.
They further claimed that the novels contain parts that are incompatible with the student’s beliefs, in
violation of Article III, Section I, clause VII of the Constitution. On the other hand, supporters of the law
claim that it is important to commemorate our heroes’ lives and works with great fondness and dedication
since they shape our national character. They also said that José Rizal's life and writings are a wonderful
example of nationalism. They said that the Rizal Law would assist young Filipinos in a variety of ways,
including gaining other attributes like courage and determination from Rizal's patriotism, which would help
boost nation-building and Filipino identity

IN FAVOR AGAINST
COMPARE THEY AIM TO TEACH THE THEY BELIEVE THAT
FILIPINO YOUTH OR EVEN WITHOUT RIZAL’S
STUDENTS ABOUT SUBJECT IN SCHOOL, HE
NATIONALISM STILL BE RECOGNIZED AS
A HERO AND NOTHING

CONTRAST IT IS NECESSARY TO
READ THE NOVELS OF
JOSE RIZAL TO OPEN OUR
MINDS ABOUT UNJUST
AND DETERIORATING
SPANIARDS COLONIAL
POWER.
COMPARE THEY BELIEVE THAT
THROUGH RIZAL’S
WRITINGS AND SELF-
SACRIFICE IS A MUST TO
SHARE WITH THE
STUDENTS UP UNTIL
COLLEGE
CONTRAST SEN. RECTO BELIEVED
THAT RIZAL EXPOSED
THE HIDDEN DOINGS OF
CATHOLIC OFFICIALS, TO
SHOW THE PRESENTS
CONDITIONS OF THE
CATHOLIC CHURCH AT
THAT TIME.
WILL CHANGE THAT.
IT'S NOT NECESSARY TO
READ JOSE RIZAL’S
NOVELS, KNOWING THAT
THERE ARE OTHER
HEROES WHO ALSO
SACRIFICE FOR THE SAKE
OF FREEDOM.
SEN.RODRIGO TOGETHER
WITH THE ROMAN
CATHOLIC CHURCH
OFFICIALS AGAINST WITH
THIS BILL BECAUSE THE
NOVEL NOLI ME
TANGERE HAS NEGATIVE
VIEWS TO THE CATHOLIC
CHURCH
SEN. RODRIGO OPPOSED
AND BELIEVED THAT
RIZAL IS ANTI-CATHOLIC
AND THE BILL VIOLATES
THE FREEDOM OF
CONSCIENCE AND
RELIGION.

2. Reflect on your secondary education. Did

Does your school comply with RA 1425?
More than fifty years have passed since the Republic Act 1425 or better known as Rizal Law was enacted
and led by Jose P. Laurel. It was approved on June 12, 1956, when it was called House Bill No. 5561 led
by Jacobo Gonzales, and Senate Bill No. 438 led by Sen. Claro M.Recto. The Rizal Act states that the
curriculum of all schools, colleges, and universities, whether private or public, must include the life
studies course, created and written by Jose Riza l, specifically his two novels entitled Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo. Moreover, it also states that every college and university is obliged to have and
keep in their libraries sufficient original copies and modern versions of Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo, as well as other writings, of Rizal, including his biography and journey as he fought for
our country. Several generations have been affected by the government leaders' implementation of the
Rizal Law. Asa student, I am involved in studying and reflecting on Rizal's life and his contribution to
the Philippines. When I was in my 9’th and 10’th grade, the two well-known novels of Rizal were
included to our Filipino subject. Therefore, my secondary school complied and followed RepublicAct
1425. Rizal Law plays a vital role in instilling patriotism among Filipino, especially among us, students
or part of the youth community. It helps us to have a better understanding of the importance of the
creation of the Rizal Act. It also opens our minds and eyes to the need to revive the freedom and
nationalism for which our heroes, specifically Rizal, lived and sacrificed lives. With the help of this
law, students have been reminded of the blood and sweat offered by our heroes who can be an
inspiration to each other in helping to build a successful nation. Rizal’s two popular novels entitled Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo served as a wake-up call for us, youth. Those two writings are part of
our colorful yesterday and one of the highlights of our history. As I studied those works, I have learned
so many lessons which uplift my devotion.

3. How effective is the Rizal law in

instilling patriotism among the students?
When Dr. Rizal said, "The Youth is the Hope of the Fatherland," it had an impact on everyone
who heard it to become more responsible and love our country. I can say that Rizal Law is very
effective in instilling patriotism among grade 8 and 9 students because we are encouraged to
become better citizens.

4. Describe the background and context of the 1950s that

lead to the passage of RA 1425?
After reading articles about the historical background of the Rizal Law, it made me realize how
hard it is to pass a bill because there will always be antagonists and protagonists to the bill. I’ve
learned that we should be obeying laws made in our country because it is for our own good and
at the end of the day, we’ll be benefited from the law. Each law encountered trials but the
proponents of these fought for the law to pass just to cater to our needs. And, I’ve recognized
that Rizal’s subject is indeed vital in the curriculum of students for it is part of history.