Republic Act No. 1425 (Rizal Law)

• Republic Act No. 1425 is a law that requires all schools, colleges, and universities in the Philippines to include courses on the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
• The law allocates 300,000 Philippine pesos from the National Treasury to support its implementation
• Students can be exempted from using the unedited versions of the novels for religious reasons, but they still must take the course.
• The law took effect upon its approval on May 17, 1956

  Singed by president Ramon Magsaysay on June 12, 1956
• To foster patriotism and nationalism among Filipino students by studying the life and works of Jose Rizal, the national hero.
• To instill moral character, personal discipline, and civic responsibility in students.
• In colleges, the original or unedited versions of his novels or their English translations must be used as primary texts.
• The Board of National Education will translate Rizal’s novels into English, Tagalog, and other Philippine dialects.
• These translations will be printed in affordable editions and distributed for free through local organizations.
• Proponents' Views - Emphasized the need for national pride and identity.
• Opponents' Views- Some religious groups objected, fearing the novels' anticlerical themes would conflict with religious teachings.
• Proponents' Views- Believed Rizal's works would inspire patriotism and moral values.
• Opponents' Views- Concerns about academic freedom and imposing a

  specific curriculum on schools.
• Proponents' Views- Argued that knowing the national hero's struggles and ideals would strengthen civic consciousness and national unity.
• Opponents' Views- Questioned the practicality and costs of implementing the law.