Lesson 1

REPUBLIC ACT 1425 (RIZAL LAW)

• To give you substance understanding of the topic, we will
explore the topic more. Read the content of the lesson on,
Republic Act 1425 (RIZAL LAW).
 WHY DO WE NEED TO STUDY
RIZAL?
• Well others might say that he is our national hero that’s
why we need to study his life, works, or even his writings.
But is there a law that directly proclaims Rizal as our
national hero? There is definitely no law. What we have
is several decrees or special orders that celebrate the
heroism of our Dr. Jose Rizal.
• On Dec. 20, 1898- Emilio Aguinaldo signed the decree
declaring Dec. 30 as the anniversary of Jose Rizal death.
”National Day of Mourning”.
• Dec. 30, 1898- Filipinos celebrated “Rizal Day” for the first
time.
• Act No. 345- the Philippine commission enacted Act No.345
which declares Dec. 30 each year as “Rizal day”.
• June 9, 1948- Elpedio Quirino signed the RA 229. The law
mandates or prohibits cockfighting, horse racing and jai-alai.
• July 12, 1956- RA No. 1425 or Rizal Law was enacted by the
help of Senator Claro M. Recto, the main proponent of Rizal
bill and Senator Jose P. Laurel sponsored the said law.
• Why study Rizal?
• The answer to such question can be summed up into 2
points;
• Because it mandated by the law.
• Because of the lessons contained within the course.
 1. BECAUSE IT MANDATED BY THE LAW.
RA No. 1425 (Rizal Law)
• - 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.
• Senator P. Laurel
- said that “since Rizal was the founder of Philippine
nationalism and has contributed much to the current
standing of this nation, it is only right that the youth as well as
all the people in the country know about and learn to imbibe
the great ideals for which he died”.
 THE STORY OF RIZAL LAW
• In 1956, Senator Claro M. Recto filed a measure which
became the original Rizal Bill recognizing the need to instill
heroism among the youth at the time when the country was
experiencing social turmoil. It was a time when the
country was being ravaged by the Hukbuklahap
insurgency.
• Under the bill, it shall be obligatory for college and
university students to study the life and works of Jose
Rizal. The issuance of bill was not welcomed by various
quarters.
• After a month-long standoff, a compromise bill was filed. It
was authored by Senator Jose P. Laurel and it was based
on the proposals of Senators Roseller Lim and Emmanuel
Pelaez. On June 12, 1956, the Republic Act 1425 better
known as the Rizal Law came into effect.
REPUBLIC ACT NO 1425
House Bill 5561
Senate Bill 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 novel NOLI ME TANGER 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
SECTION 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 the unexpurgated
editions of the NOLI ME TANGERE and EL FILIBUSTERISMO or
their English translation shall be used as their 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 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 rule and regulations
providing for the exemption of students for 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 the said paragraph. Said rules
and regulations shall take effect thirty days after their
publication in the Official Gazette.
SECTION 2
It shall be obligatory for 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 Rizal’s
other works and biography.
SECTION 3
The board of National Education shall cause the
translation of the NOLI ME TNAGERE 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.
SECTION 4
Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amending or
repealing section nine hundred twenty-seven of the
Administrative Code, prohibiting the discussion of religion
doctrines by public school teachers and other persons
engaged in any public school.
SECTION 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.
SECTION 6

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

2. BECAUSE OF THE LESSON CONTAINED
WITHIN THE COURSE ITSELF.
Reasons for teaching the Rizal course in
Philippine schools:
1. To recognize the importance of Rizal’s ideals and
teachings in relation to present conditions and
situation in the society.
2. To encourage the application of such ideals in current
social and personal problems and issues.
3. To develop an appreciation and deeper
understanding of all that Rizal fought and died for.
4. To foster the development of the Filipino youth in all
aspect of citizenship.