Chapter 1: RIZAL LAW (RA No. 1425)

Summary

The video script discusses Republic Act No. 1425, also known as the Rizal Law, enacted in 1956, which mandates the inclusion of Dr. Jose Rizal's life, works, and writings in Philippine educational curricula. The law, initially met with controversy due to the Catholic Church's opposition to Rizal's anti-church sentiments, resulted in a compromise allowing exemptions for religious reasons. The law also provides for the translation and distribution of Rizal's works and allocates a budget for their publication.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Republic Act No. 1425, also known as the Rizal Law, was approved on June 12, 1956, mandating the inclusion of Dr. Jose Rizal's life, works, and writings in the curricula of all public and private institutions in the Philippines.
• 🏛️ The law specifically requires the study of Rizal's novels 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo' in tertiary education programs across the country.
• 👨‍🏫 The law's original bill, authored by Senator Claro M. Recto, was one of the most controversial in Philippine history, with the Catholic Church opposing it due to the anti-church sentiments in Rizal's works.
• 🤝 A compromise was reached after a month-long standoff, with Senator Jose Laurel authoring a bill that accommodated the Catholic Church's objections while still requiring the reading of the unexpurgated versions of Rizal's novels.
• 📚 Section 2 of the law mandates that all schools, colleges, and universities must keep adequate copies of the original and unexpurgated editions of Rizal's works in their libraries.
• 🌐 Section 3 calls for the translation of Rizal's works into English, Tagalog, and principal Philippine dialects, ensuring wider accessibility to his writings.
• 🏫 Section 4 clarifies that the law does not infringe upon the prohibition of discussing religious doctrines by public school teachers and other persons in public schools.
• 💰 Section 5 authorizes a budget of three hundred thousand pesos for the publication of popular and cheap editions of Rizal's works.
• 📅 The law took effect upon its approval on June 12, 1956, and is now more than 50 years old, with the National Board of Education as its implementor.
• 🚫 The law provides for exemptions for students whose religious beliefs may be affected by reading Rizal's works, but they are not exempted from taking the course itself.
• ✍️ The National Board of Education is authorized to come up with implementing rules and regulations, including disciplinary measures for institutions that fail to comply with the law.

Q & A

What is the official name and purpose of Republic Act No. 1425?

The official name of Republic Act No. 1425 is '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 his novels 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo', authorizing the printing and distribution thereof, and for other purposes.' Its purpose is to mandate the inclusion of Rizal's life, works, and writings in the curricula of all educational institutions in the Philippines.

When was Republic Act No. 1425 approved?

Republic Act No. 1425 was approved on June 12, 1956.

Which senator is considered the father of Rizal Law and who authored the original bill?

Senator Claro M. Recto is considered the father of Rizal Law, and he authored the original bill known as Rizal Bill 438.

Why was the Rizal Law considered controversial?

The Rizal Law was considered controversial because it made it obligatory for college and university students to study the life and works of Jose Rizal, including works that contained anti-church passages. The Catholic Church opposed the law, fearing it would harm the religious beliefs of young students.

What were the main concerns of the Catholic Church regarding Rizal's works?

The Catholic Church was concerned that Rizal's works, particularly 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo', contained anti-church passages that could harm the religious beliefs of young students during their formative years and violate freedom of religion and conscience.

How did the opposition view the content of Rizal's novels?

Opponents, such as Father Jesus Kavanagh, believed that Rizal's novels presented a false picture of the conditions of the country at the time and contained objectionable matter, with a higher number of anti-Catholic statements compared to patriotic ones.

What compromise was made to address the objections of the Catholic Church?

A compromise bill was filed, accommodating the objections of the Catholic Church by allowing students to be exempted from reading Rizal's works for religious reasons, while still requiring the reading of the unexpurgated versions of Rizal's novels.

What is the significance of Section 1 of the Rizal Law?

Section 1 of the Rizal Law requires that courses on the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo', be included in the curricula of all schools, colleges, and universities, both public and private.

What does Section 2 of the Rizal Law mandate regarding the libraries of educational institutions?

Section 2 mandates that all schools, colleges, and universities must keep an adequate number of copies of the original and unexpurgated editions of Rizal's works, including 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo', as well as his other works and biography, in their libraries.

What is the role of the Board of National Education as stated in Section 3?

Section 3 instructs the Board of National Education to cause the translation of Rizal's works, including 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo', into English, Tagalog, and the principal Philippine dialects, and to arrange for their publication and distribution.

What does Section 4 clarify regarding the discussion of religious doctrines in public schools?

Section 4 clarifies that the Rizal Law does not amend or repeal Section 927 of the Administrative Code, which prohibits the discussion of religious doctrines by public school teachers and other persons engaged in any public school.

What provision does Section 5 of the Rizal Law make for the implementation of the law?

Section 5 authorizes the appropriation of three hundred thousand pesos from any fund not otherwise appropriated in the National Treasury to carry out the purposes of the Rizal Law, including the publication of popular and cheap editions of Rizal's works.

What is the effectivity date of the Rizal Law as stated in Section 6?

Section 6 states that the Rizal Law shall take effect upon its approval, which was on June 12, 1956.

What additional responsibilities does the National Board of Education have under the Rizal Law?

The National Board of Education is directed to implement the Rizal Law, including coming up with implementing rules and regulations, and is authorized to establish disciplinary measures, such as punishment for institutions that refuse to implement or properly implement the law.