RA 1425

WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR A LAW THAT

INCORPORATES COURSES ON THE LIFE, REASONS WHY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
WORKS AND IDEAS OF JOSE RIZAL IN THE EXPRESSED AN OPPOSING VIEW
CURRICULA OF ALL SCHOOLS, 1. The novels of Rizal show open criticism to
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN THE the Catholic Church.
PHILIPPINES? 2. In the “compulsory” teaching of the
unexpurgated versions of Rizal’s Noli and El
The lawmakers who favored the passage of a Fili, a teacher would have the tendency to
law that would include courses on the life, discuss—or worse, to criticize—certain Church
works and ideas of Jose Rizal firmly believed doctrines.
the necessity of instilling a strong sense of 3. The inevitable criticism of Church doctrines
nationalism among the youth, especially in might lead to the jeopardy of the faith of
their formative and decisive years. people.

Through which a strong sense of THE CHURCH’S ATTACK

nationalism would be instilled among the The Church alleged, in a pastoral letter, that
Filipino youth? the novels of Rizal do not promote nationalism
but more of criticism against it. It further
Through the works of Rizal, especially his Noli alleged in that letter the presence of 170
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo—works that passages from the Noli and 50 passages from
are considered as ‘constant and inspiring the Fili which intend to diminish its good image.
sources of nationalism’
Fr. Jesus Cavanna, a speaker on the
THE CONTROVERSIES CREATED BY THE symposium organized by CAM, lambasted
RIZAL BILLS Rizal’s novels by saying that the Noli and Fili...

According to Sen. Claro M. Recto, the author “...belong to the past and it would be harmful to
of the original version of Senate Bill No. 438, read them because they presented a false
the study of the great works of our foremost picture of conditions in the country at that time.
national hero is an inherent love for the Noli Me Tangere is an attack on the clergy and
country. its object was to put to ridicule the Catholic
faith. The novel was not really patriotic
He said, “...the reading of Rizal’s novels would because out of 333 pages, only 25 contained
strengthen the Filipinism of the youth and patriotic passages while 120 were devoted to
foster patriotism”. anti-Catholic attack.”

With this purpose, he pushed for the THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, THOUGH,
compulsory study of the life, works and writings HONORED RIZAL WITH THE FOLLOWING
of Dr. Jose Rizal among the students of STATEMENTS:
schools, colleges and universities, public or
private. “Among the many illustrious Filipinos who have
distinguished themselves in the service of their
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON THE RIZAL country, the highest place of honor belongs to
BILLS Dr. Rizal. And justly so, for Dr. Rizal
possessed to an eminent degree those virtues
The Catholic Church was the major institution which together make up true patriotism.”
to express its vigorous objection on the
passage of a law that would make Rizal’s Noli
and El Fili as compulsory reading matters in all
schools, colleges and universities in the
Philippines.
IN ITS PASTORAL LETTER DATED APRIL THE ANTI’S:
21, 1956, THE CATHOLIC CHURCH PAID  Catholic Church
HOMAGE TO RIZAL'S  Catholic Action of the Philippines
GREATNESS BY STATING THAT:  Knights of Columbus
 Catholic Teachers Guild
“He [Rizal] loved his country not in words alone  Other Catholic Organizations
but in deed. He devoted his time, his energies
and the resources of his brilliant mind to THE SPONSORSHIP OF SENATE BILL NO.
dispelling [sic] the 438
ignorance and apathy of his people, and On April 17, 1956, Senator Jose P. Laurel
combating [sic] the injustices and inequalities presented S.B. No. 438 with the title “An Act to
under which they labored. When his salutatory Make Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo
activities fell under the suspicion of the colonial Compulsory Reading Matters in All Public and
government and he was condemned to death Private Schools, Colleges and Universities and
as a rebel, he generously offered his blood for for Other Purposes”
the welfare of his country.”

IS THERE A NEED FOR THE COMPULSORY AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE

STUDY OF HIS WORKS BY ALL STUDENTS COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, SENATOR
IN ALL SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND J.P. LAUREL EXPRESSED HIS REVERENCE
UNIVERSITIES, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE? TO RIZAL THROUGH THE FOLLOWING
The answer to the question led the lawmakers, WORDS:
senators and congressmen alike, and the “The hero’s [Rizal] greatness lies not only in
members of the different sectors of the society his intense patriotism, exemplary conduct and
to engage in heated discussions. It became an behavior as a Filipino, the courage of his
extremely controversial issue that it resulted to conviction and the utter disregard of the
the misunderstanding and quarrel of those who dangers to his life during those hectic days
were overwhelmed by their emotions. when he was preaching the gospel truth of
justice, Filipinism, not only in his great acts but
THE LEGISLATORS: also in his great thoughts and ideas which
PRO: were expressed and spread over in practically
 Communists all pages of his novels.”
 Collaborators (during the Japanese
Occupation) SEN. LAUREL LIKEWISE FIRMLY
 Self-proclaimed patriots BELIEVED THAT:
1. The greatness of Rizal, as well as his
THE ANTI’S intense love for his country and
 Anti-Rizal people, could only be fully appreciated
 Unnationalistic by the Filipinos if they would have
 Traitors to the Country adequate knowledge about his
 Servants of the Church, etc. sufferings and injustices.
2. His writings would open the minds of
the Filipinos to the ruthless effects of
THE SUPPORTERS: colonization.
PRO: 3. By exposing the Filipino youth to the
 Veteranos de la Revolucion (Spirit of ideas of Rizal, they would be able to
1896) learn how to live the Rizal way that is
 Alagad ni Rizal characterized by strong love for
 Free Masons country and strong desire to build a
 Knights of Rizal great nation.
 4. The Filipino youth must consider as a POINT OF THE OPPOSITION
sacred duty to study the great dreams Senators Rodrigo, Rosales and [Mariano]
and aspirations of Rizal for his country. Cuenco pointed out that:
5. The teaching and reading of the novels “Compulsion to read something against one’s
of Rizal should be made into a law so religious convictions was no different from a
that, through their knowledge and requirement to salute the flag, which according
understanding of the hero’s works, to the latest decision on the matter by the US
they would acquire a light that would Supreme Court, was an impairment both of
guide them when the country would freedom of speech and freedom of religion.”
experience another period of peril or
darkness. Senator Mariano Cuenco, on a speech in the
Senate, said:
OPPOSITION TO S.B. 438 “Rizal attack[ed] dogmas, beliefs and practices
Sen. Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo (Senator, 3 rd of the Church. The assertion that Rizal limited
and 4th Congresses) opposed due to the himself to castigating undeserving priests and
use of compulsion. refrained from criticizing, ridiculing or putting in
1. He claimed that the reading of the doubt dogmas of the Catholic Church, is
unexpurgated versions of Rizal’s novels absolutely gratuitous and misleading.”
as against the conscience of the
Catholics Sen. Cuenco continued his argument by
2. He believed that nationalism and quoting verbatim passages from Rizal’s novels
patriotism are important and must be where he despised Catholic teachings on
promoted, yet promoting them should miracles, indulgences, the sacraments, and the
not be done at the risk of endangering adoration of images.
the harmony between the Church and
the state. Sen Cuenco quoted Rizal in part, “that the idea
3. Sen. Rodrigo viewed the measures as of Purgatory does not exist in the Old
unjust and unwise because of the use of Testament or in the Gospels; that neither
compulsion that might put the Church in Moses nor Christ made the slightest mention of
an awkward situation since religious it; and that the early Christians did not believe
issues have always been considered as in Purgatory.”
“sophisticated matters”.
DEFENSE FOR S.B. NO. 438
In his vehement opposition against S.B. No. Sen. Claro M. Recto, the author of the original
438, Senator Rodrigo told, version,averred that:
1. “Catholic schools would never close
“...I cannot allow my son who is now 16 to read since they are the sources of the
the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo lest Church’s income, as well as its religious
he lose his faith”. and political powers.
2. “If a political party would be set up, it
Sen. Decoroso Rosales also opposed due to would be divided into two—the political
the use of compulsion. party to be headed by either Sen.
1. He believed that approval of the bills Rodrigo or Sen. Rosales and the party
would lead to the closure of Catholic to be composed of Filipino Catholics
schools all throughout the country. who do not only believe in God and
2. He believed further that a political serve Him but also possess a strong
party might be inevitably put up by love for their country and believe in
the Catholics to show their strong serving her.”
resentment to the law.
THE SPONSORSHIP OF HOUSE BILL NO. Bill No. 5561 heated up in the House of
5561 Representatives (Source: Unidentified
Congressman Jacobo Gonzales (1st Disrict of Newspaper)
Laguna; 3rd and 4th Congresses) of Laguna
proposed H.B. No.5561 which also bore the Rep. Emilio Cortez (left) of Pampanga and
title of S.B. No. 438. Rep. Ramon Durano (right) of Cebu who
engaged in a fistfight as the debate on HB No.
IN HIS SPONSORSHIP SPEECH, CONG. 5561 heated up were made friends again by
GONZALES SAID : Rep. Angel Castaňo (center) of Manila on the
“The bill merely declares Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s following day. (Source: Unidentified
Noli Me Tangereand El Filibusterismo, in their Newspaper)
original edition or in their unexpurgated English
and national language versions [as] WHAT DOES SECTION 927 OF THE
compulsory reading matters in all public and REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
private schools, colleges and universities. The PROVIDE?
bill selects the writings of Dr. Rizal because he It [Section 927] prohibits teachers and other
is the greatest of our national heroes, the persons engaged in any public school to
staunchest apostle of nationalism, the greatest discuss or criticize the doctrines of any church,
man the Malayan race has ever produced and religious act or denomination or shall attempt
a universal genius and hero of humanity. We to influence the pupils [or students] for or
have chosen the Noli and the Fili for in their against any church or religious sect.
pages we see our lives as before a mirror—our
defects as well as our strengths, our virtues as SUPPORTER TO H.B. NO. 5561
well as our vices. Knowing these, our
consciousness as a people is stirred and we Cong. Titong Roces (of Manila) recounted that:
learn to prepare ourselves for painful sacrifices
that ultimately lead to self-reliance, self respect “The author of the bill [HB 5561] found it
and freedom. The Noli and Fili mirror necessary to make the reading of these novels
Philippine life, true today as it was during the because during the last 350 years [sic] the
time of Dr. Rizal, only the dates and names forces that have been working against
have changed.” nationalism in the Philippines have always
used compulsion, and that we, Filipinos, in our
OPPOSITION TO H.B. NO. 5561 efforts to establish ourselves as a race and as
Radio Commentator and Former Cong. Jesus a people have always been the victim of
Paredes (of Abra) expressed opposition to the compulsion. And that in spite of the fact that we
manner through which the objectives of the are independent now, the inertia created by
bills would be attained. He said centuries of compulsion against our efforts to
“the bill [H.B. 5561] would violate of [sic] unite ourselves as a people is so strong that
Section 927 of the Revised perhaps, there is no other way of stopping the
Administrative Code”. same except by counter-compulsion.”

He likewise stated, “that Catholics had the right WHAT WAS THE REAL ISSUE IN THE
to refuse to read them as it would ‘endanger ARGUMENTS EXPRESSED ON THE
their salvation’.” PASSAGE OF THE BILLS?

THE DEBATE ON H.B. NO. 5561 WAS SO “...It was the use of “compulsion” in the
INTENSE THAT... attainment of the objectives of bills.
Rep. Emilio Cortez of Pampanga) and Rep.
Ramon Durano of Cebu, both from the  Interesting to note, however , that
Nationalista Party engaged in a fistfight on May nobody among those who opposed the
10, 1956 as the debate on House passage of the bills desecrated the
image of Jose Rizal—neither that there
 was one who said that he did not people, for nationalism flowers... in the hearts
deserve to be called as our national of the people.... I appeal to you. Let us vote
hero. unanimously... as an example to our people. I
have every reason to believe that the people
AMENDMENTS OF THE BILLS
listening to us all over the country will unite as
 To resolve the issues, amendments of
the bills were respectively proposed in we do when we vote as one in this bill. Let us
both houses of Congress. not think of which side will win; let us just think
 The word “compulsory” was deleted and that with this bill, the Filipino people will win
replaced with the phrase “to include”. because they will continue to remain whole
 It met strict scrutiny from those who and cohesive. Within these walls, this
opposed the original versions. substitute bill represents the victory of reason
 Soon, it was approved and became a and wisdom; outside these halls, it means the
law
triumph of a united Filipino people.”

PROVISIONS OF THE AMENDED VERSIONS

AMENDED VERSIONS
 Deleted – Penalty to be imposed for any
In order to put an end to the heated discussion,
public or private school, college and
Senator Jose P. Laurel penned the amended
university and the head and teachers of
version of S.B. No. 438.
the school found guilty of violating,
failing to comply with or circumventing
His version was thus entitled, “An Act to
the provision of the law.
Include in the Curricula of All Public and
 Replaced with – Authorization for the
Private Schools, Colleges and Universities
appropriation of the amount of
Courses on the Life, Works and Writings of
P300,000.00 for the printing and
Rizal Particularly His Novels Noli Me
distribution of the copies of the novels
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Authorizing
and other writings of Rizal in their
the Printing and Distribution Thereof, and
English, Tagalog and principal dialect
for Other Purposes”
translations.
As the author of the amended version in the  Added – Nothing in the Act shall be
House of Representatives, Cong. Arturo “construed as amending or repealing
Tolentino, appealed to his colleagues with the section nine hundred twenty-seven of
following statements: the Administrative Code”.
“I appeal to the members of this House, both  Provided – The Board of National
Education is hereby authorized and
those who spoke in favor of the Gonzales bill
directed to adopt measures to
as originally worded and those who spoke implement and carry out the provisions
against the bill to agree to reason, to give of Section 1 of the Act, including the
something of their original contention, so that writing and printing of appropriate
we may meet in the middle ground, not for our primers, readers and textbooks.
own sake, not for the pride of having won in
the halls of this Congress but for the sake of ANOTHER WAVE OF OPPOSITION
our people who must remain united, for the Many lawmakers still hoped that the amended
versions would not pass but President Ramon
leaders of the people must not think of their
Magsaysay, one of the presidents oftentimes
own personal victory or glory but of the unity of opposed by Recto due to the former’s policies,
the people whom they represent. There can signed them into law.
be no true nationalism when the people are
divided. It is incumbent upon the leaders of
the people to preserve unity among the
REPUBLIC ACT 1425 WAS SIGNED BY: patriotism and democratic way of life
 Eulogio “Amang” A. Rodriguez can also be fostered through the
(President of the Senate) integration of these concepts in the
 Jose P. Laurel, Jr. (Speaker of the aforementioned subjects.
House of Representatives) 2. In December 1988, during the First Rizal
and approved by Faculty Congress in Baguio City,
 H.E. Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. shocking revelations were made
(President, Republic of the Philippines) regarding the teaching of Rizal course.
on June 12, 1956 It was learned that the Rizal course was:
 not as important as other subjects for
SEVERAL DECADES AFTER 1956 it merely served as a “filler” to faculty
1. In 1983, Jaime C. Laya, Minister of members who lacked subjects to
Education, Culture and Sports, issued a teach;
memorandum which required that the  used to glorify Andres Bonifacio at
life, works and writings of Rizal should the expense of Rizal, hence cynicism
no longer be taught as a separate and division were fostered.
subject but as a component in history,
literature, philosophy and other allied
subjects.
 This memorandum came with the
emerging view that nationalism,