Chapter 1 laws of Jose Rizal PDF

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CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE: REPUBLIC ACT 1425LEARNING OUTCOMES:At the end of this chapter, the students are expected to: Explain the social context and importance of Rizal Law (RA1425). Critically assess the effectiveness of the Rizal course Explain how the prevailing philosophical thinking...

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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE: REPUBLIC ACT 1425 LEARNI NG OUTCOMES:

At the end of this chapter, the students are expected to: 1. Explain the social context and importance of Rizal Law (RA1425). 2. Critically assess the effectiveness of the Rizal course 3. Explain how the prevailing philosophical thinking in Europe affected the rest of the world including the Philippines. 4. Describe the social, political, and economic conditions of the world and the Philippines during Rizal time. 5. Ascertain the significance of family and home to Rizal’s early achievements. 6. Determine the influences in Rizal’s young life that shaped his aspirations and values. 7. Appreciate how Rizal’s education shaped him as a person. 8. Compare the phases of Rizal’s life as a student. 9. Define the different types of education that contributes to his intellectual greatness 10. Emulate Rizal’s admirable traits while studying and touring in Europe. 11. Describe the traits of Filipino expatriates in Europe. 12. Narrate the events that led to the writing of Rizal’s first novel. 13. Explain why the Brindis speech made more enemies for Rizal. 14. Explain how Rizal’s friendship with Blumentritt influenced his writings and nationalism. 15. Explain the principle of assimilation advocated by the Propaganda Movement.

Laws on Jose Rizal There are at least two Republic Acts and two Memorandum Orders pertaining to Jose Rizal: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Republic Act No. 1425 or Rizal Law Republic Act No. 229 or The Celebration of Rizal Day Memorandum Order No. 247 by President Fidel V. Ramos CHED Memorandum No. 3, s. 1995 by Commissioner Mona D. Valisno

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425

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 any 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 writing 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, SECTION 1. Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novel 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 translation 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 provisions of this Act. The Board shall promulgate rules and regulations providing for the exemption of students for reasons 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. SECTION 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

unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as of Rizal’s 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. SECTION 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 Barrio Councils throughout the country. SECTION 4. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amendment or repealing section nine hundred twenty-seven of the Administrative Code, prohibiting the discussion of religious doctrines by public school teachers and other person 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. Approved: June 12, 1956 Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 52, No. 6, p. 2971 in June 1956.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 229 AN ACT TO PROHIBIT COCKFIGHTING, HORSE RACING AND JAI-ALAI ON THE THIRTIETH DAY OF DECEMBER OF EACH YEAR AND TO CREATE A COMMITTEE TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE PROPER CELEBRATION OF RIZAL DAY IN EVERY MUNICIPALITY AND CHARTERED CITY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES SECTION 1. The existing laws and regulations to the contrary notwithstanding, cockfighting, horse racing and jai-alai are hereby prohibited on the thirtieth day of December of each year, the date of the martyrdom of our great hero, Jose Rizal.

SECTION 2. It shall be the official duty of the mayor of each municipality and chartered city to create a committee to take charge of the proper observance of Rizal Day Celebration of each year, in which he shall be the chairman, which shall be empowered to seek the assistance and cooperation of any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the Government, and the local civic and educational institutions. Among the ceremonies on Rizal Day shall be the raising of the Philippine flag at half-mast in all vessels and public buildings. SECTION 3. Any person who shall violate the provisions of this Act or permit or allow the violation thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not exceeding two hundred pesos or by imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both, at the discretion of the court. In case he is the mayor of a municipality or a chartered city he shall suffer an additional punishment of suspension from his office for a period of one month. In case of partnerships, corporations or associations, the criminal liability shall devolve upon the president, director, or any other official responsible for the violation thereof. SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. Approved: June 9, 1948 Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 44, No. 8, p. 2627 in August 1948

Memorandum Order No. 247, s. 199 MALACAÑANG MANILA MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 247 DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SPORTS AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION TO FULLY IMPLEMENT REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425 ENTITLED “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, Republic Act No. 1425 approved on June 12, 1956, directs all schools, colleges and universities, public and private, to include in their curricula, courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo which “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, according to Dr. Rizal, “the school is the book in which is written the future of the nation;” WHEREAS, in 1996, the Filipino people will commemorate the centennial of Rizal’s martyrdom and, two years thereafter, the centennial of the Declaration of Philippine Independence; and WHEREAS, as we prepare to celebrate these watershed events in our history, it is necessary to rekindle in the heart of every Filipino, especially the youth, the same patriotic fervor that once galvanized our forebears to outstanding achievements so we can move forward together toward a greater destiny as we enter the 21st century. NOW, THEREFORE, I FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, hereby direct the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education to take steps to immediately and fully implement the letter, intent and spirit of Republic Act No. 1425 and to impose, should it be necessary, appropriate disciplinary action against the governing body and/or head of any public or private school, college or university found not complying with said law and the rules, regulations, orders and instructions issued pursuant thereto. Within thirty (30) days from issuance hereof, the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education are hereby directed to jointly submit to the President of the Philippines a report on the steps they have taken to implement this Memorandum Order, and one (1) year thereafter, another report on the extent of compliance by both public and private schools in all levels with the provisions of R.A. No. 1425. This Memorandum Order takes effect immediately after its issuance. DONE in the City of Manila, this 26th day of December in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Four. (SGD.) FIDEL V. RAMOS President

CHED Memorandum No. 3, s. 1995

COMMISSION OF HIGHER EDUCATION Office of the President of the Philippines

January 13, 1995 CHED MEMORANDUM No. 3, s. 1995 To: Head of State Colleges and Universities Head of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities Office of the President Memorandum Order No. 247 Re: Implementation of Republic Act No. 1425 1. Enclosed is a copy of Memorandum Order No. 247 dated December 26, from the Office of the President of the Philippines entitled, "Directing Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the CHAIRMAN OF COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION to fully implement the Republic Act No. 1425 entitled "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" for guidance of all concerned. 2. Strict compliance therewith is requested. (sgd) MONA D. VALISNO Commissioner Officer-in-Charge

The trials of the Rizal Bill By Jose B. Laurel Jr. Former spraker of the house of Representatives December 1960

Few legislative measures have elicited as much interest or provoked as much decision as Republic Act 1425, otherwise known as Rizal law. The hated disputes that raged around this legislation, the bitterness and recrimination that attended its enactment, are almost unparalleled in the annuals of congress. When it was filed by the Committee of Education on April 3, 1956, senate Bill No. 438 was supported by all but three (3) of the members of the Upper house and seemed to all appearances, a non-controversial measure. But when on April 17, 1956, Senator Jose P. Laurel, as chairman of the Committee on education, began its sponsorship of the measure the rumbles of

the gatherings storm sounded an onimous warning. This was the mark of the start of the longdrawn disputations, both enlightened and acrimonious, that would engross and divide the nation for three tense weeks. The original version of Senate Bill No. 438 reads as follows: AN ACT TO MAKE NOLI ME TANGERE AND EL FILIBUSTERISMO COMPULSORY READING MATTER IN ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSTIES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: SECTION 1. Jose Rizal’s Noli Me tangere and El Filibusterismo are hereby declared compulsory reading matter in all public and private schools, colleges and universities of the Philippines. SECTION 2. The works mentioned in section 1 of this Act shall be in the original editions or in unexpurgated English and national Language versions. SECTION 3. The Department of Education shall take steps to promulgate rules and regulations for the immediate implementation of the provisions of this Act. SECTION 4. No provision of this Act shall be contructed as prohibiting or limiting the study of the works of other Filipino heroes. SECTION 5. Any public or private colleges or universty found violating, failing to comply with, or circumventing the provisions of this Act shall be punished accordingly: a. The head of any public college or university charged with implementing the provisions of this Act, who shall have been found guilty of violating, failing to comply with, or circumventing the provisions thereof, shall be dismissed immediately from the service shall be disqualified from teaching in any public or government recognized private school, colleges and universty. b. Government recognition of any private colleges or university found violating or circumventing the provisions of this Act shall be immediately withdrawn, and the responsible Head and professor or professor concerned shall be disqualified from teaching in any Government-recognized college and university. SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

According to Senator Laurel, the object of the measure was to disseminate the ideas and ideals of the great Filipino patriot through the reading of his works, particularly “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo.” In the course of the three-day sponsorship speech, he said: “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” must be read by all Filipinos. They must taken o heart, for in their pages we seeourselves as in a mirror; our defects as well as our strengh, our vitues as well our vices. Only then would we become, consious as a people and so learn to prepare ourselves for painful sacrifices that ultimately lead to self-reliance, self-respect and freedom.

The Catholic elements in and outside Congress, however, were quick to assail the measure as an attempt to discredit their religion. Claiming that the two novels contained views inimical to the tenets of their faith, they particularly challenge the cumpolsory nature of the bill as violative of religious freedom. Principal basis of their opposition was an alleged Pastoral letter which, while praising Rizal, practically branded his novels as heritical and impious. The authenticity of this letterwas much suspected and never definitely established, but there is no question that it added fuel to the fires of discord that had already inflamed the passions of the people. Debates on Senate Bill No. 438 began on April 23, 1956. Senator Luarel was supported by a pretigious colleague and ardent nationalist, the formidable Senator Claro M. Recto. In the other camp were Senators Mariano J. Cuenco, Francisco Rodrigo and Decoroso Rosales, all of them identified as rabid Catholics. Although the rest of senators also participated at times in the discussion, interest was focused on the principal protagonist of the controversy whose mastery exchange of logic and law held the nation spellbound. Senator Recto proved his brillance as a parliamentarian and his vast erudition in history and law, including Canon Law. There was no doubt also that he was an authority on the life and works of Rizal. The gist of his arguments was that, under the police power and Article XIV (5) of the constitution, it was competent for the Senate to require the resding of “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” in our public and private schools. The sole object or the bill, he said was to foster the better appreciation of Rizal’s times and of the role he played in combating Spanish tyranny in this country. Denying that the novels had any religious motivation, he declared: “Rizal did not pretend to teach religion or theology when he wrote those books. He aimed at inculcating civic conciousness in the Filipinos, national dignity, personal pride, and patriotism, and if in references were made by him in the course of his narration to certain religious practices in the Philippines in those days and to the conduct and behavior of erring ministers of the church, it was because he portrayed faithfully the general situation in the Philippines as it then existed. Nobody can dispute that the situation discribed by Rizal in those days, political, social and religious, was the one actually obtaining the philippines; but while he criticized and rediculed the unworthy behavior of certain ministers of the Church, he made exceptions in favor of the worthy ones, like the Dominican friars, Padre Fernandez, and the virtuos native priest, Padre Florentino, and the Jesuits in general.” On the other hand, Senators Rodrigo, Rosales and Cuenco derived much support from the Catholic Church itself and from its hundreds of thousands of adherents throughout the country. Their principal arguments was no less impressive, to wit: that cumpolsion to read something against one’s religious convictions was no different from a requirement to salute the flag, which according to the latest decision and the matter by the U.S. Supreme Court, was an impairment both of freedom of religion. In addition, they invoked the need for unity, which they said would imperiled if the bill were approved. Contending that they were no less lovers of their country because thet were devout children of their church, Senator Rodrigo remarked. “As vast majority of our people are at the same time Catholics and Filipino citizens. As such, they have two great loves: their country and their faith. These two loves are not conflicting loves. They are harmonious affections, like the love for his father and for his mother.”

“This is the basis of my stand. Let us not create a conflict between nationalism and religion; between the government and the church.” The conflict reach the House of Representatives on April 19, 1956, when congressman Jacobo Z. Gonazales introduced House Bill No. 5561, which was identical copy of Senate Bill no. 438. Debates started on may 9, 1956, following the report of the Committee on Education, dated May 2, 1956, recommending the approval without amendments. The discussions also resolved on the constitutionality and the propriety of the measure, but although proceedings wh definitely livelier and more impassioned here than the Upper Chamber (at one time there was even an abortive fish fight on the floor), it was the might battle in the Senate that drew more public attention. Notable defender of the bill in the House besides the author, were Congressmen Emilio Cortez, Mario Bengzon, Joaquin R. Roces, and W. Rancap Lagumbay. Among the outspoken opponents were Congressmen Ramon Durano, Jose Noguid, marciano Lim, Manuel Zosa, Lucas Paredes, Godofredo Ramos, Miguel Cuenco and congresswomen Carmen D. Consing and Tecla San Andres Ziga. As the daily debates wore on in Congress and throughout the country, it became more and more apparent that no agree...