The Rizal Law Takes Effect

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

AUGUST 16, 1956

On August 16, 1956, Republic Act 1425, or the Rizal Law took effect. It required the private and public schools, colleges and universities to include in their curricula a course on Rizal's life, works and writings, particularly the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. 

Congress passed it on May 12, 1956 and was signed and approved by President Ramon Magsaysay on June 12, 1956. 

It was a controversial bill authored by Senator Claro M. Recto which the Catholic church strongly opposed because of the anti-clericalism in the two books. 

Senate Committee on Education chairman Jose P. Laurel made a compromise on May 12, 1956 by accommodating the objections of the Catholic Church which was approved by everyone. 

The Board of National Education is tasked to oversee its implementation. It is "authorized and directed to adopt measures to implement and carry out the provisions... and within sixty 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..."

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved

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