Rizal Law (R.A. 1425) - A Detailed Look

LIFE AND WORKS OF JOSE RIZAL Republic Act 1425 RIZAL LAW Republic Act No. 1425 “Rizal Law” What is the most important objective of RA 1425 or Rizal Law? 1.To study and spread the ideals, teaching and exemplary life of Rizal especially to the Youth of the Land. 2.To train and develop the Filipi...

LIFE AND WORKS OF JOSE RIZAL Republic Act 1425 RIZAL LAW Republic Act No. 1425 “Rizal Law” What is the most important objective of RA 1425 or Rizal Law? 1.To study and spread the ideals, teaching and exemplary life of Rizal especially to the Youth of the Land. 2.To train and develop the Filipino Youth in character building, citizenship training, democratic leadership and enlightened nationalism and dedicated service to country and people. What is the purpose of creating the RA 1425? It is hoped that teaching Rizal's life, shall strengthen nationalism, patriotism, national identity, love of humanity, respect for human rights and appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country. Who signed the RA 1425? Republic Act 1425, also known as the Rizal Law was signed by President Ramon Magsaysay on June 12, 1956. BACKGROUND OF RIZAL LAW Proposed by Claro M. Recto and Jose P. Laurel Mandating schools to offer a course on Rizal’s life, works and writings Met intense opposition from the Catholic Church Catholic schools threatened because of communist and anti-Catholic Recto and Laurel Archbishop of Manila, Rufino Santos, requested Recto to only require the “expurgated” version of Rizal’s two novels Rizal Bill (1956) Recto refused and insisted the use of “unexpurgated” version of Rizal’s novels This is fight for Rizal’s legacy (Ocampo, 2012) However, the priests who opposed the passage of the bill threatened the persons behind the bill and might to be considered as “heretic.” In the same way the opposition threatened them by mentioning that the schools handled by the Catholic Church might be closed if the bill will be converted into law. Even so, Recto and Laurel countered the statement by saying that if that were to happen, schools would be “nationalized” and the government would convert these schools into Government-ruled institutions. Senators who opposed the bill: 1. Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo (1914 – 1998) 2. Mariano Cuenco (1888 – 1964) 3. Decoroso Rosales (1907 – 1987) Groups who opposed the bill: 1. Catholic Action of the Philippines 2. Congregation of the Mission 3. Knights of Columbus 4. Catholic Teachers Guild Groups who supported the bill: 1. Veteranos de la Revolucion 2. Alagad ni Rizal 3. Freemasons 4. Knights of Rizal Rizal Law (R.A. 1425) “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 Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Authorizing the Printing and Distribution thereof, and for Other Purposes.” Enacted on June 12, 1956 Co-written by Jose P. Laurel and mentioned the aims of the law: 1. to rededicate the ideals of freedom and nationalism 2. to pay tribute to Rizal’s efforts 3. to gain inspiring source of patriotism from his works Fidel Ramos directed CHEd and DECS to fully implement the law through CMO No. 247 in 1994 CMO No. 3 was issued to enforce strictly the law in 1995 Important points of R.A. 1425 there is a need for a re-dedication to the ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived and died; in honoring them, particularly the national hero and patriot, Jose Rizal, we remember with special fondness and devotion their lives and works that have shaped the national character; the life, works and writing of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, are a constant and inspiring source of patriotism with which the minds of the youth, especially during their formative and decisive years in school, should be suffused; all educational institutions are under the supervision of, and subject to regulation by the State, and all schools are enjoined to develop moral character, personal discipline, civic conscience and to teach the duties of citizenship; Sections from R.A. 1425 SECTION 1. Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novel Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, shall be included in the curricula of all schools, colleges and universities, public or private: Provided, That in the collegiate courses, the original or unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their English translation shall be used as basic texts. Sections from R.A. 1425 SECTION 2. It shall be obligatory on all schools, colleges and universities to keep in their libraries an adequate number of copies of the original and unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as of Rizal’s other works and biography. The said unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their translations in English as well as other writings of Rizal shall be included in the list of approved books for required reading in all public or private schools, colleges and universities. Sections from R.A. 1425 SECTION 3. The Board of National Education shall cause the translation of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as other writings of Jose Rizal into English, Tagalog and the principal Philippine dialects; cause them to be printed in cheap, popular editions; and cause them to be distributed, free of charge, to persons desiring to read them, through the Purok organizations and Barrio Councils throughout the country. Sections from R.A. 1425 SECTION 4. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amendment or repealing section nine hundred twenty- seven of the Administrative Code, prohibiting the discussion of religious doctrines by public school teachers and other person engaged in any public school. Significance of R.A. 1425 It provides insights on how to deal with current problems; It helps to understand better ourselves as Filipinos; It teaches nationalism; It provides various essential life lessons; and It serves as a worthwhile inspiration to every Filipino