The Rizal Law, officially designated as Republic Act No. 1425, is a Philippine law that requires all educational institutions in the Philippines to offer courses about José Rizal. The Rizal Law was emphatically opposed by the Catholic Church in the Philippines, mostly due to the anti-clericalism in Rizal's books Noli Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo.
In 1956, the Philippine government passed the “Rizal Law,” requiring that all universities provide mandatory courses on José Rizal and his works. This was opposed by the Catholic Church, which continued to resent its portrayal in Rizal’s novels despite the Filipino clergy’s early association with the nationalist movement. Church leaders accused the bill’s proponent, Senator Recto of being a communist and anti-Catholic. The final bill included a provision allowing Catholic students to refrain from reading Rizal’s works, citing conscientious objections.
JOSE ROTACIO RIZAL MERCADO Y ALONZO REALONDA
MEMBER:
RENE MIGUEL G, BASILA