Rizal Law (RA 1425) Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Discussion on Rizal Law:
  • What is it?
  • Why was it enacted?
  • Meaning and relevance today.

What is the Rizal Law?

• RA 1425:
  • Government mandate to teach the life and works of Rizal.
  • Includes Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo
  • Required in all colleges and universities in the Philippines.

History of the Rizal Law

• Year of Enactment: 1956
• Context:
  • After WWII, nationalist policymakers were concerned about forgetting Filipino identity.
  • Goal: Strengthen national hope and pride through education.
• Senate Bill No. 438:
  • Introduced by Senator Claro M. Recto.
  • Designated Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo as compulsory reading.

Purpose of the Rizal Law

• Promotion of Rizal’s ideas and ideals.
• Building a strong sense of national identity.
• Youth development:
  • Confidence, direction, courage, and determination for the nation.

Controversy

• Opposition from the Catholic Church and conservatives:
  • Concerns over anti-Catholic themes in the novels.
  • Criticisms:
    • How to demonstrate nationalism with many anti-Catholic passages?
    • How does it become an obligation?
    • Potential cause of conflict.
• Opposition groups:
  • Accusations against Recto as a communist.
  • Threat of closing Catholic schools.

Agreement and Passage

• A compromise was reached:
  • Inclusion of other works by Rizal.
  • Exemption for students who do not wish to read Noli and El Fili.
  • Only unedited versions to be taught in college.
• Enactment:
  • Signed by President Ramon Magsaysay on June 12, 1956.

Content of the Rizal Law

• Objectives of the Rizal Law:
  1. Rededicate the youth to freedom and nationalism.
  2. Pay homage to Rizal.
  3. Inspire patriotism through the study of his life and works.

Reflection Questions

• 67 years since it was enacted, has there been a change?
• Should Rizal be studied?
• Reflect on the relevance of the Rizal Law and if it is effective today.