Rizal Law

• Who is the author of Republic Act 1425?

  Claro M. Recto
• When was Republic Act 1425 signed?

  June 12, 1956
• Who sponsored the bill for Republic Act 1425?

  Jose P. Laurel
• What are the main sections of Republic Act 1425?

  • Section 1: Mandates students to read Rizal’s novels
  • Section 2: Requires schools to have sufficient copies of Rizal’s writings in libraries
  • Section 3: Mandates publication of works in English, Tagalog, and principal Philippine dialects
• What does Memo No. 247 direct?

  It directs the DepEd to fully implement RA 1425
• What does CHED Memo No. 3 Series of 1995 enforce?

  Strict compliance to Memo No. 247
• What are the main arguments of the opposition against Republic Act 1425?

  • The bill goes against freedom of religion and conscience
  • It violates the 1939 Canon Law prohibiting books that attack Catholic doctrine
  • Concerns about the content of Rizal's novels
• Who were the three senators that opposed the bill?

  Sen. Mariano Cuenco, Sen. Francisco Rodrigo, and Sen. Decoroso Rosales
• What did the opposition argue about the passages in Rizal's novels?

  They claimed that Noli Me Tangere has 120 anti-Catholic passages and El Filibusterismo has 50
• What amendments were made to the Rizal Law by Senator Jose P. Laurel?

  • Other written works of Rizal must be included
  • Unexpurgated revisions of the novels are not compulsory for elementary and secondary levels
  • Strictly included in the college level
• What relief did Senator Lim propose for students regarding Rizal's novels?

  Relief for students who feel reading the novels negatively affects their faith
• What did Senator Primicias propose regarding exemptions from reading the novels?

  • Exemptions can be obtained through a written statement or affidavit
  • Exemptions do not apply to taking the Rizal course
• Who explained the importance of learning about Jose Rizal?

  Jose P. Laurel
• What are the goals of the Rizal Law?

  • Rededicate youth to ideals of freedom and nationalism
  • Pay tribute to Rizal for shaping the Filipino character
  • Gain inspiration for patriotism through studying Rizal's life and works
• When was Republic Act No. 345 enacted, and what did it establish?

  February 1, 1902; it set December 30 as Rizal Day
• What does Republic Act No. 229 prohibit?

  Cockfighting, horse racing, and jai-alai on December 30
• What did Republic Act No. 243 grant the right to use public land for?

  To erect a statue of Jose Rizal at Luneta in Manila
• What are the importance of studying Rizal according to the lesson?

  • Provides insights on current problems
  • Helps understand Filipino identity
  • Teaches nationalism and patriotism
  • Offers essential life lessons
  • Develops logical and critical thinking
  • Serves as a model and inspiration
  • Rich source of entertaining narratives
• Who recommended declaring Rizal as a National Hero?

  American Governor William Howard Taft
• Why was Rizal considered a suitable National Hero by the Americans?

  He did not make anti-American remarks and symbolized Spanish oppression
• What criteria did Dr. Henry Otley Beyer recommend for choosing a National Hero?

  • Must be a Filipino
  • Peace-loving person
  • High ideals and love of country
  • Died for the country as a martyr
• What did President Fidel V. Ramos issue on March 28, 1993?


  Executive Order No. 75
• What is the principal duty of the National Heroes Committee created by Executive Order No. 75?

  • Study, evaluate, and recommend Filipino national personages/heroes
  • Recognize their character and achievements for the country
• What is the definition of heroes according to the National Heroes Committee criteria?

  • Individuals who aspire and struggle for the nation’s freedom
  • Their struggle for freedom is ongoing and never-ending
• Who issued Executive Order No. 75?

  Fidel V. Ramos
• What is the title of Executive Order No. 75?

  “Creating the National Heroes Committee Under the Office of the President.”
• What is the principal duty of the National Heroes Committee?

  To study, evaluate and recommend Filipino national personages/heroes.
• What criteria were adopted by the Technical Committee of the National Heroes Committee on June 3, 1993?

  Criteria for National Heroes.
• Who were some members of the Technical Committee of the National Heroes Committee?

  Drs. Onofre D. Corpuz, Samuel K. Tan, and Ambeth Ocampo.
• What is the first criterion for defining heroes according to the National Heroes Committee?

  Heroes are those who have a concept of nation and aspire for the nation’s freedom.
• Who began the struggle for freedom in the Philippines?

  Andres Bonifacio
• Who finished the struggle for freedom in the Philippines?

  Emilio Aguinaldo
• What does the second criterion for heroes emphasize?

  Heroes contribute to a system or life of freedom and order for a nation.
• Who are examples of heroes that contributed to the constitution and laws?

  Mabini and Recto
• What is the third criterion for defining heroes?

  Heroes contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nation.
• What does Dr. Alfredo Lagmay state about heroes?

  A hero thinks of the future, especially future generations.
• Who are some historical figures recommended as national heroes?

  Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo.
• What is the status of the report/recommendations submitted by the National Heroes Committee?

  No action has been taken since its submission.
• Why might no action have been taken on the recommendations of the National Heroes Committee?

  It might trigger a flood of requests for proclamations.
• What does Republic Act No. 3827 declare?


  The last Sunday of August of every year as National Heroes Day.