WHAT IS THE RIZAL LAW?

The Rizal Law, also known as RA 1425, mandates the study of Rizals life and works, as shown in section 1. This Republic Act
calls for an increased sense of nationalism from the Filipinos during a time of a dwindling Filipino identity. According to the
judicial system, a republic act is a law that has already been passed and implemented. In contrast to this, a bill is merely a
proposed law, in other words it may or may not be passed by the Congress.
The Republic Act was signed by the President on June 12, 1956. From the notes preceding the body of the document, one may
infer that the bill was originally proposed in the Legislative arm of the Philippine Republic, in the Senate and House of
Representatives. According to the Official Gazette, the law was made effective thirty days after its implementation. The mere fact
that the Act was passed on the date of our independence seeks to stir up a greater sense of fervor in the Filipino, to believe in
their own country and national identitywho we are as a nation. It was this time when the Philippines was heavily dependent on
the American government for support and guidance. Also, based on the fact that Jose Rizal is honored by the Philippines as the
Philippine national hero, it is but appropriate that the document written to commemorate his accomplishments is written here, in
the land of his birth.
It is Senator Claro M. Recto who authored the Rizal Bill. While Senator Jose P. Laurel, Sr., who was then the Chairman of the
Committee on Education, sponsored the bill in the Senate. Both of them were known for their great sense of nationalism. This
nationalism served as the foundation to come up with this republic act, to set our country free from the hands of others and stand
up on our ownexactly the ideals and values that Rizal strove to fight for. It was written for the Filipino people, specifically the
Filipino youth, who may have lost their sense of nationalism. The writers endeavored to rekindle a lost spark in each Filipinos
belief in their country. A republic act as drastic as the Rizal Law, which requires the study of Rizals life and workssomething
that does not need to be required in the first placecan only be born out of the fact that Rizal and his works were not given a
high priority in the educational system of the country prior to the release of this act. It is clear that the government had to make
drastic changes to resolve the issue. This is evident in section 3 of the act, legalizing all forms of translations for Rizals works, as
well as section 2, obligating all schools, colleges and universities to keep an adequate number of copies of Rizals works. This
makes them more accessible to a greater audience.
It is hard to make out any form of emotion from any legal document; however, the choice of words is still able to convey a fiery
passion. To highlight this, they also use words or concepts that can easily relate to the common Filipino man. Such passion is
vital, as the audience is presumably of dwindling nationalism. In this regard, the writer attempts to show the audience the identity
they have slowly been losing, and show them how they can undo this.
There are important points that the author cited in this republic act that is worth noticing. First, Whereas, today, more than 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. This document was written in the year 1956 during Magsasyays regime when the country was still recovering from the
Japanese occupation and still very dependent on US governance. Ideals of freedom and nationalism were very essential during
those times since the Philippines was still struggling for independence, and the country was still gradually developing its national
identity and integrity. During those times havoc also existed within the Filipinos since there were numerous uprisings against the
Philippine government. Moreover, even though this document was written decades ago, it is still striking because this clause is
very timely for this present generation when our culture is being overpowered by foreign influence and Filipino diaspora is
widespread.
Another important point from RA 1425 is 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. It is very important to use our educational institutions to instill these values to the children who
are at their prime years of growing and learning. During ones educational years especially the college level is when individuals
formulate their priorities and career tracks in life, and it is essential that institutions make students realize that the country should
be a part of their priorities and serving ones country is an innate and inborn duty for all. Also, embedding a profound and
authentic moral character and a strong sense of personal discipline in the youth would yield proficient, genuine, and selfless
Filipinos of the future who would turn the Philippines from an impoverished country to a globally competitive nation.
Lastly, 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
the Barrio Councils throughout the country. To provide a specific way to carry out this act is very helpful. It makes the goal very
SMART specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. It is also important that the effects of this act would be
experienced by all students even those who are financially troubled. It is commendable that in the context of this act, the poor is
well represented and that it is attainable regardless of ethnicity, social stature, and language barriers.
This document was obviously written during a time when patriotism and nationalism was lost and needed, and a time when
people were inspired by the initiative of the authors of this act. It was during this time when the Philippines and its citizens relied
on the United States for guidance, support and welfare. It was written in order to seek aide from the same brilliant mind that
drove the Filipinos of the past to fight for freedom from colonists entails another need for another meaningful revolution in spite of
the absence of invaders; the country may have needed a slow-paced revolution driven by patriotism against dormancy, apathy
and futility.
Why Rizal is the National Hero
By Ambeth R. Ocampo
In June 1892 Rizal left two sealed letters with a Portuguese friend to be opened and published after my death. In these letters
Rizal explained to his family and his countrymen that he was returning to the Philippines to show by example that Filipinos knew
how to die for principles.

This is the letter he wanted us to read, a letter that will illustrate to anti-Rizal advocates why Rizal is our national hero:
The step that I have taken, or am about to take, is undoubtedly very risky, and it is unnecessary to say that I have pondered on it
a great deal. I know that everyone is opposed to it but I realize also that no one knows what goes on in my heart. I cannot live
knowing that many are suffering unjust persecution because of me; I cannot live seeing my brothers [hermanos] and their large
families persecuted like criminals. I prefer to face death and gladly give my life to free so many innocent persons from this unjust
persecution.
I know that, at present, the future of my country gravitates in part around me; that with my death, many would rejoice, and that,
consequently, many are longing for my end. But what am I to do? I have duties of conscience above all else; I have moral
obligations toward the families who suffer, toward my aged parents whose sights pierce my heart; I know that I alone, even my
death, can make them happy by returning them to their country and the tranquility of their home. My parents are all that I have,
but my country has many sons still who can take it to advantage.
Moreover, I wish to show those who deny us patriotism that we know how to die for our duty and for our convictions. What
matters death if one dies for what one loves, for ones country and for those whom he loves?
If I know that I were the only pillar of Philippine politics and if I were convinced that my country men were going to make use of
my services, perhaps I would hesitate to take this step, but there are still others who can take my place, who can take my place
to advantage. Furthermore, there are those who find me superfluous and in no need of my services, thus they reduce me to
inaction.
I have always loved my poor country and I am sure that I shall love her until my last moment. Perhaps some people will be
unjust to me: well, my future, my life, my joys, everything, I have sacrificed for love of her. Whatever my fate may be, I shall die
blessing my country and wishing her the dawn of her redemption. (Originally published in The Philippine Daily Inquirer, 12/31/89)