Reflection on the Rizal Law and Its Controversy

Introduction

• Speaker: Irene Kiiling
• Topic: Rizal Law and its major controversy

What is the Rizal Law?

• Officially known as Republic Act No. 1425
• Mandates educational institutions in the Philippines to offer courses on Jose Rizal
• Requires all college students to take a subject on Rizal

History of the Rizal Law

• Originally Senate Bill 438, known as Rizal Bill
• Authored by Senator Claro M. Recto
• Signed into law by President Ramon Magsaysay on June 12, 1956
• Aims to study the life and works of Jose Rizal

Major Controversy Surrounding the Rizal Law

• Involvement of the Catholic Church in opposing the law
• Arguments that the Rizal Law was anti-Catholic
• Concerns about the implications of studying Rizal's literary works, particularly:
  • Noli Me Tangere
  • El Filibusterismo
• Fears that these novels could undermine Catholic dogmas and portray the Church negatively

Church Opposition

• The Catholic Church rallied against the Rizal Law
• Key groups involved:
  • Catholic Action of the Philippines
  • Knights of Columbus
  • Congregation of the Mission
  • Catholic Teacher Guild
• Church organized symposiums to advocate against the law

Impact of Church Opposition

• Some Catholic schools threatened to close if the law passed
• Senator Recto defended the law, emphasizing the importance of Rizal’s works
• Claims that removing Rizal’s works from education would erase the memory of the national hero

Compromise and Passage of the Law

• Compromise reached between the Catholic Church and supporters of the Rizal Bill
• Agreement to use an expurgated version of Rizal's novels for teaching
• Implementation of the Rizal Law on July 12, 1956

Significance of the Rizal Law Today

• Importance of studying Rizal's ideals in modern society
• Rizal's works included in high school curriculums
• Encourages application of Rizal's ideas to current societal issues
• Fosters development of Filipino youth and citizenship

Conclusion

• The Rizal Law remains relevant and significant in understanding Philippine history and identity
• Reflection on the importance of Rizal’s teachings in contemporary society
• Speaker thanked the audience for their attention.