Document Review Process Quiz

Reviewer Certification

• This document has been reviewed for accuracy, relevance, and alignment with education.
• Reviewer information (name, position/title, date) are to be filled in.

Rizal Law

• Rizal Law (RA 1425) mandates all Philippine schools (public and private) to include courses on the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal, the national hero.
• The law was to re-dedicate the nation to its historical roots through the study of its national hero.
• Rizal's writings are a mirror for Filipinos, reflecting flaws and virtues. This study is fundamental to understanding Filipino identity, self-reliance, and freedom.
• Senator Claro M. Recto proposed Senate Bill No. 438 in 1956.
• Senator Jose P. Laurel, Sr. sponsored and presented the Noli-Fili Bill to the senate.
• Senate Bill No. 438, titled "An Act to Make Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo Compulsory Reading Matter in All Public and Private Colleges and Universities," was the proposed legislation.
• The Catholic Church opposed this bill due to Jose Rizal's criticism of the Church in his novels.
• Rizal's works contained offensive passages, according to detractors, and hence critics claimed a potential societal division and religious freedom compromise.
• The Catholic Church's opposition and arguments included worries about the novels' supposed historical inaccuracies. Concerns included the negative depiction of the church.
• The Catholic Church groups opposing the bill include Catholic Action of the Philippines, Congregation of the Mission, Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Teachers Guild.
• The bill was widely controversial, with some opposing it. Recto was also labeled as a communist and anti-Catholic.

Rizal Law Enactment

• A similar bill (House Bill No. 5561) was also proposed, though also met with contention on its constitutionality and religiosity.
• A substitute bill was proposed by Senator Laurel to alleviate the concerns brought by the opposition groups.
• The substitute bill broadened the collection of works included in the course—from just "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" to other writings.
• The bill aimed to promote wider availability of Rizal's writings.
• Reading Rizal's works was made optional from the original bill.
• Inexpurgated versions were to be available only for higher levels of education.
• Republic Act No. 1425 was enacted on June 12, 1956 by President Ramon Magsaysay.

Goals Summary

• Re-dedicating the youth to freedom and nationalism, referencing Jose Rizal's ideals and principles
• Tribute to Jose Rizal for his shaping of the Filipino character
• An inspiring source of Filipino patriotism, through Rizal's life, work, and writings.