MODULE 1: The Rizal Law and

Remembering Rizal
MODULE OVERVIEW

Module Objectives/Outcomes

At the end of the first module, the students will be able to:
● evaluate the history and relevance of the Rizal Law to the present
situation
● explain the concept of nationalism and its importance
● discuss the life of Rizal from his childhood to the factors that led to
his execution

Lessons in the Module:

1. Rizal Law
2. Nation and Nationalism
3. Remembering Rizal
4. The Life of Jose Rizal

Lesson 1 – Rizal Law

Objectives:
1. To orient the students about the subject
2. Orient the students about the Rizal Law – R.A. 1425.
3. Discuss the reasons behind the creation of the Rizal Bill
4. Appreciate the contribution of the said law through essay writing
What is the Rizal Law?
● Known as Republic Act No. 1425 (House Bill. 5561 and Senate Bill 438)
● It 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.
● Filed by Sen. Claro M. Recto in 1956, he believed in a need to instill heroism among
the youth when the country is experiencing social turmoil.

The Story of the Rizal Law

● This was the period when Recto was calling for a return to patriotic values enunciated
by
Filipino Heroes like Jose Rizal.
● The Catholic Church considers the Rizal Bill as anti-church because it forces the
students to
read Rizal’s work which contains passages that were anti-church.
● They presented fears that the students’ religious beliefs would be harmed by reading
Rizal’s
works during their formative years.
● Forcing the students to read Rizal’s works would be a violation of the constitutional
freedom of
religion and conscience.
● Many priests sought an audience with senators to convince them to oppose the bill.
● This was an apparent interference of the Church in the making of policies of the State
● Seminars were held across the provinces to oppose the bill.
● The Church calls the Catholic voters to reject lawmakers who supported the Rizal Bill
● Bishops also threatened to close down Catholic schools if the bill was approved.
● After a month-long standoff, a compromise bill was filed authored by Senator Jose
Laurel and
was based on the proposals of Senators Roseller Lim and Emmanuel Pelaez.
● On June 12, 1956, RA 1425 came into effect. Students are allowed to seek exemption
from
reading Rizal’s works for religious reasons on the approved version.