Effects of the Rizal Law

Positive:
According to Hernan Abaya, 1984, the nationalist reawakening began on the UP campus,
sparked by the teaching of Rizals life and his writings made compulsory by the Noli-Fili law, co
authored by Recto and Laurel. This is a statement from a person who was able to witness the
condition of the country before and after the Rizal law was implemented. He saw the change and
the positive effect of the law to our country back then.
the youth was made aware of the contributions and the principled life of Jose Rizal who was an
emblem of substantial nationalism and unconditional love for the country. He embodies
brilliance coupled with humility and prestige that goes along with service. This Republic Act has
pushed for Rizal to be a role model for the youth of this country.
Through this republic act the essence of freedom and independence was emphasized to the
youth. Also, it has been implied through this act that national identity is a very important legacy
that our heroes have achieved through sacrificing their own lives. They have passed it on to us,
and it is our role to nurture and protect it.
Negative:
The RA. 1425 just caused havoc within educational institutions. Take the case of UP a couple of
years after this laws implementation. The UP Student Catholic Action and numerous
publications and students were pushed to go against their President, Dr. Singco because they feel
that the University is starting to become godless. It has just caused a mass confusion between
faith and nationalism.
The faith of the people is being compromised. This law is endangering the Christian growth of
the students who are still in their formative years. This can drive the youth to question the
credibility of the church and its teachings and traditions.
According to a survey that we have conducted in our university, the Rizal course is not actually
significant for the students. It has just been a laborious subject that adds unnecessary work load
to students, and it sometimes drives the students to lose focus on their majors.
Evaluation of the Rizal Law
The Rizal Bill was indeed able to instil a sense of Filipino nationalism. In his books, Rizal
promoted a sense of unity and banding together for ones country. Rizal was able to achieve a lot
alone. What more an entire country? People Power I is a prime example of such unity, with
thousands upon thousands of Filipinos uniting against a tyrant to overthrow him. Nowadays, this
nationalism is dwindling. The youth of today does not see the importance of keeping ones
national identity. With the onset of globalization, people, more importantly, the youth, tend to
assimilate other cultures. Colonial mentality at present is worse than ever.

Rizal Law
Republic Act No. 1425
House Bill No. 5561
Senate Bill No. 438
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.
Whereas, today, more than other period of our history, there is a need for a re-dedication to the
ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived and died.
Whereas, it is meet that 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;
Whereas, the life, works and writings 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.
Whereas, 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; Now therefore,
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled
SEC.1
Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels 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 translations shall be used as basic
texts.
The Board of National Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt forthwith measures
to implement and carry out the provisions of this Section, including the writing and printing of
appropriate primers, readers and textbooks. The Board shall, within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act promulgate rules and regulations, including those of a disciplinary nature,
to carry out and enforce the regulations of this Act. The Board shall promulgate rules and
regulations providing for the exemption of students for reason of religious belief stated in a
sworn written statement, from the requirement of the provision contained in the second part of
the first paragraph of this section; but not from taking the course provided for in the first part of

said paragraph. Said rules and regulations shall take effect thirty (30) days after their publication
in the Official Gazette.
SEC.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 expurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo, as well as Rizals 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.
The Board of National Education shall determine the adequacy of the number of books,
depending upon the enrollment of the school, college or university.
SEC.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
the Barrio Councils throughout the country.
SEC.4
Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amending or repealing section nine hundred twentyseven of the Administrative Code, prohibiting the discussion of religious doctrines by public
school teachers and other persons engaged in any public school.
SEC.5
The sum of three hundred thousand pesos is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of any fund
not otherwise appropriated in the National Treasury to carry out the purposes of this Act.
SEC.6
This Act shall take effect upon its approval
Noli-Fili/Rizal Bill: One of the most controversial bills in Phil History
It is normal for bills to be debated in the upper and lower house of the Congress, but the trial that
the Noli-Fili/Rizal Bill underwent was beyond normal. With the sponsors of the bill and the
opposition not only coming from the people inside of the Legislative Arm but also the inclusion
of the Catholic Church in the debates for this bill.
When the bill was brought to the senate by Senator Recto, there were but three who opposed it. It
was when Senator Laurel sponsored the bill as the head of committee education that the
exchange of arguments from the two sides started. The Church played a big role in this fight
because they are the ones who intervened with the approval and signing of this bill into a law.

On the side of Senator Rectos was of course Senator Laurel who defended the bill in the
deliberations. Other representatives from the house also supported the bill namely Congressmen
Jacobo Z. Gonzalez, Emilio Cortez, Mario Bengzon, Joaquin Roxas, Lancap Lagumbay, Quintin
Paredes, and Senator Domocao Alonto of Mindanao.
On the other hand, the original bill was opposed by Senator Francisco Rodrigo, Senator Mariano
J. Cuenco and Senator Decoroso Rosales. Senator Rodrigo was a former Catholic Action
president while Senator Cuenco was the brother of an Archbishop. From the lower house, it was
also opposed by Congressmen Ramon Durano, Jose Nuguid, Marciano Lim, Manuel Zosa, Lucas
Paredes, Godofredo Ramos, Miguel Cuenco, Congresswomen Carnen Consing and Tecia San
Andres Ziga.
The sponsors argued that in reading Rizals words, we are able to see ourselves. It is through the
works of Rizal, the greatest Filipino patriot, which show not only the strengths and virtues of the
Filipinos but the Filipinos defects and vices as well. Making the Filipinos realize their flaws will
prepare themselves for the sacrifices they have to make to attain freedom. The only objective of
the bill is to foster the better appreciation of our national heros role in fighting for freedom
under the colonialism of the Spaniards, not to go against any religion.
However, the oppositors argued that the bill would violate freedom of conscience and religion.
According to the letter submitted by the CBCP, Rizal violated the Churchs laws specifically
Canon Law 1399, which forbids books that attack or ridicule any of the catholic dogmas or
which defend errors condemned by the Holy See. Not only that, they argue that among the 333
pages of Noli Me Tangere, only 25 passages are patriotic while 120 passages are anti-catholic.
Rizal admitted before that in these passages he did not only attack the friars that acted falsely on
the Filipinos but also attacked the Catholic Faith itself. Rizal himself included in his last will the
retraction of his statements about the Church in his two novels. They also stated that it is not
necessary to attack the Faith of the church to imbue nationalism on the Filipinos. They suggest a
Rizalian Anthology, where a compilation of all his works which contains the nationalistic
philosophy will be provided as reading material for the students instead of his two novels.
Francisco Rodrigo even said in a statement that Filipinos can still venerate Rizal without having
to read his works. Rizal would still be a hero even if he didnt write these two novels.
As the debate on whether the bill should be approved seemed like it will never end, Senator
Laurel created an amendment to the original bill or the Noli-Fili Bill.
In this bill Senator Laurel included other books, poems, and other works written by Rizal and
works written by other authors about Rizal other than Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. In
addition to that, the reading of the unexpurgated version of the novels would no longer be
compulsory to elementary and secondary levels due to the issues it had with the Catholic Church.
Finally, the bill also included that the works done by Rizal should be read strictly in the original
and unexpurgated form in the college level.
Senator Primicias, in accordance to the previous suggestion of student exemption by Senator Lim
also presented an additional amendment on the substitute bill proposed by Senator Laurel that

promulgates rules and regulation for the exemption of students in reading the two books, Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, settled in a written statement but not from taking the course

Pages
o Noli-Fili/Rizal Bill: One of the most controversial bills in Phil History
o About
o Effects of the Rizal Law
o Evaluation of the Rizal Law
o Rizal Law
o What is the Rizal Law?
What is the Rizal Law?
The Rizal Law, also known as RA 1425, mandates the study of Rizals life and works, as shown
in section 1. This Republic Act calls for an increased sense of nationalism from the Filipinos
during a time of a dwindling Filipino identity. According to the judicial system, a republic act is
a law that has already been passed and implemented. In contrast to this, a bill is merely a
proposed law, in other words it may or may not be passed by the Congress.
The Republic Act was signed by the President on June 12, 1956. From the notes preceding the
body of the document, one may infer that the bill was originally proposed in the Legislative arm
of the Philippine Republic, in the Senate and House of Representatives. According to the Official
Gazette, the law was made effective thirty days after its implementation. The mere fact that the
Act was passed on the date of our independence seeks to stir up a greater sense of fervor in the
Filipino, to believe in their own country and national identitywho we are as a nation. It was
this time when the Philippines was heavily dependent on the American government for support
and guidance. Also, based on the fact that Jose Rizal is honored by the Philippines as the
Philippine national hero, it is but appropriate that the document written to commemorate his
accomplishments is written here, in the land of his birth.
It is Senator Claro M. Recto who authored the Rizal Bill. While Senator Jose P. Laurel, Sr., who
was then the Chairman of the Committee on Education, sponsored the bill in the Senate. Both of
them were known for their great sense of nationalism. This nationalism served as the foundation
to come up with this republic act, to set our country free from the hands of others and stand up
on our ownexactly the ideals and values that Rizal strove to fight for. It was written for the
Filipino people, specifically the Filipino youth, who may have lost their sense of nationalism.
The writers endeavored to rekindle a lost spark in each Filipinos belief in their country. A
republic act as drastic as the Rizal Law, which requires the study of Rizals life and works

something that does not need to be required in the first placecan only be born out of the fact
that Rizal and his works were not given a high priority in the educational system of the country
prior to the release of this act. It is clear that the government had to make drastic changes to
resolve the issue. This is evident in section 3 of the act, legalizing all forms of translations for
Rizals works, as well as section 2, obligating all schools, colleges and universities to keep an
adequate number of copies of Rizals works. This makes them more accessible to a greater
audience.
It is hard to make out any form of emotion from any legal document; however, the choice of
words is still able to convey a fiery passion. To highlight this, they also use words or concepts
that can easily relate to the common Filipino man. Such passion is vital, as the audience is
presumably of dwindling nationalism. In this regard, the writer attempts to show the audience the
identity they have slowly been losing, and show them how they can undo this.
There are important points that the author cited in this republic act that is worth noticing. First,
Whereas, today, more than other period of our history, there is a need for a re-dedication to the
ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived and died. This document was
written in the year 1956 during Magsasyays regime when the country was still recovering from
the Japanese occupation and still very dependent on US governance. Ideals of freedom and
nationalism were very essential during those times since the Philippines was still struggling for
independence, and the country was still gradually developing its national identity and integrity.
During those times havoc also existed within the Filipinos since there were numerous uprisings
against the Philippine government. Moreover, even though this document was written decades
ago, it is still striking because this clause is very timely for this present generation when our
culture is being overpowered by foreign influence and Filipino diaspora is widespread.
Another important point from RA 1425 is Whereas, 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. It is
very important to use our educational institutions to instill these values to the children who are at
their prime years of growing and learning. During ones educational years especially the college
level is when individuals formulate their priorities and career tracks in life, and it is essential that
institutions make students realize that the country should be a part of their priorities and serving
ones country is an innate and inborn duty for all. Also, embedding a profound and authentic
moral character and a strong sense of personal discipline in the youth would yield proficient,
genuine, and selfless Filipinos of the future who would turn the Philippines from an
impoverished country to a globally competitive nation.
Lastly, 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
the Barrio Councils throughout the country. To provide a specific way to carry out this act is
very helpful. It makes the goal very SMART specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and
time-bound. It is also important that the effects of this act would be experienced by all students
even those who are financially troubled. It is commendable that in the context of this act, the

poor is well represented and that it is attainable regardless of ethnicity, social stature, and
language barriers.
This document was obviously written during a time when patriotism and nationalism was lost
and needed, and a time when people were inspired by the initiative of the authors of this act. It
was during this time when the Philippines and its citizens relied on the United States for
guidance, support and welfare. It was written in order to seek aide from the same brilliant mind
that drove the Filipinos of the past to fight for freedom from colonists entails another need for
another meaningful revolution in spite of the absence of invaders; the country may have needed a
slow-paced revolution driven by patriotism against dormancy, apathy and futility.