THE

RIZAL LAW
AND
LITERATURE
RIZAL LAW
is widely regarded as a watershed moment in Philippine history
primarily motivated by the need to instill nationalism among the
youth.
Legislators like Claro M. Recto drew inspiration from the lives of the
revolutionaries against Spain as the administration sought ways to
unite the people
It was proposed that all private and public educational institutions be
required to teach about Rizal's life and works, including the reading of
his books Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
nation (a community of people), state (a political entity),
and nation-state (a fusion of the previous two).
RIZAL LITERATURE

Rizal was equipped with extraordinary literary

skills
Rizal masterpieces, the Noli Me Tangere and its
sequel El Filibusterismo. The Noli dealt with the
country’s present and the Fili pointed to its future
Considered as constant and inspiring sources of
patriotism and nationalism for the youth during
their formative years
Literature gives importance to nationalism
The Trials
of Rizal Bill
From Rizal Bill to Rizal Law

Senate Bill No. 438 (Rizal Bill)was filed by the Committee on

Education

Jose P. Laurel, chairman of the committee on Education,

• April 17, 1956 began his sponsorship of the measure

Congressman Jacobo Z.Gonzales introduced House Bill No.

• April 19, 1956 5561(identical copy of the Rizal Bill)
Proponents Opposition

• Claro M. Recto • Mariano Cuenco

( February 8, 1890 – (January 16, 1888 –
October 2, 1960) February 25, 1964)

• Francisco Rodrigo
(January 29, 1914 –
January 4, 1988)

• Decoroso Rosales
( December 20, 1907 –
1987)
 Their arguments were follows:
• The bill was an attempt to discredit the Catholic Religion.

• Inimical to the benets which of the faith to which 170 lines in Noli Me Tangere and 50 lines from El
Filibuterismo were offensive to church doctrine.

• The bill might divide the nation.

• Compulsion to read something against one’s faith impaired freedom of speech and religious freedom.
From Rizal Bill to Rizal Law
• April 23, 1956 The debate on Rizal Bill started

• May 2, 1956 The house committee on education approved the

bill without amendments

The debates commenced and Senator Laurel proposed an

amendment by substitution to the Rizal Bill
• May 9, 1956
From Rizal Bill to Rizal Law
Similar amendments were adopted to the house version
• May 14, 1956

• May 17, 1956 The senate and the house versions were approved

The Rizal Bill was signed into law by President Ramon

• June 12, 1956 Magsaysay and became Republic Act No. 1425
Thank
You!
Republic Act
No. 1425

“Rizal Law”
 Objectives of the Law
• Enrich the minds of the youth about the history of the
Philippines

• The study of Rizal’s works should be implemented

by the government.

• To foster the development of the Filipino Youth

• To appreciate Rizal’s ideals and teachings in

relation to the present condition of our country and
apply it in current social problems/ issues.
 Rizal Bill (1956)
•Proposed by Claro M. Recto
and Jose P. Laurel.

•Mandating schools to offer a course on Rizal’s life,

writings and works.

•Met intense opposition from the Catholic church

 Archbishop of Manila, Rufino Santos,
requested Recto to only require the “expurgated”
version of Rizal’s two novels.
Groups who opposed the Bill:

Catholic Action of the Philippines

Congregation of the Mission
Knights of the Columbus
Catholic Teachers Guild
Important points
of R.A. 1425
1.To study the teachings of Dr. Jose Rizal;

2.To inculcate and propagate them among all classes of

Filipino and foreign nationals;

3.To exhort our citizenry by words and deed, to emulate

and practice the examples and teachings of our national
hero;
4.To promote among the associated Knights the
spirit of patriotism and Rizalian chivalry;

5.To develop a perfect union among the Filipinos

in revering the memory of Dr. Jose Rizal; and

6.To organize the hold programs commemorative

of Rizal’s nativity and martyrdom.
THANK YOU