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Standing within the hallowed grounds of Fort Santiago, you’re surrounded by poignant reminders of Jose Rizal’s life. To ensure his heroism would never be forgotten, the Rizal Law, or Republic Act No. 1425, was enacted on June 12, 1956. This landmark legislation mandated the teaching of courses about our National Hero, Jose Rizal, and is why his pivotal novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, are taught in schools across the Philippines.

Noli vs. Fili: Which One Resonates More?

Thanks to RA 1425, it’s safe to say almost every student in the Philippines has read Rizal’s iconic works. Do you still remember their stories? If you had to choose, which book resonated with you more—the Noli or the Fili? Personally, even though reading them was a requirement, I truly enjoyed diving into both. I even read both the Tagalog and English versions!

The Fierce Battle for the Rizal Law

However, this vital law might never have come to fruition if not for the unwavering resolve of Senator Claro M. Recto. The Catholic Church vehemently opposed Recto’s proposal to make reading Rizal’s books compulsory, citing it as a violation of religious freedom. They mobilized their followers, urging them to write to senators and congressmen to oppose Recto. One of the main reasons for the Church’s strong stance was their belief that Rizal’s writings attacked the Church’s teachings and beliefs.

The proposal sparked intense controversy, igniting a fiery debate with a multitude of opinions. Some argued that mandatory reading of the Noli and Fili was essential to honor Rizal’s greatness, while others warned that it could endanger the Church’s doctrines. Priests at the time were the primary opponents of Recto’s bill.

The depth of the Church’s opposition was evident when then-Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson, a supporter of Recto’s proposal, was compelled to walk out of a mass where the Rizal Law was being denounced. This dramatic exit underscored just how fiercely the Church resisted the mandatory inclusion of the Noli and Fili in school curricula.

Unveiling the Truth

Why such intense opposition from the Church? They claimed that reading the Noli and Fili violated “freedom of religion and conscience”—a profound reason that demands deeper understanding. In truth, the Church’s reluctance stemmed from Rizal’s exposé in these books, revealing the unsavory behaviors and practices of friars during the Spanish colonial era. A prime example is the scandalous revelation that Maria Clara was, in fact, Padre Damaso’s daughter.

The debate even raged within the Senate, with senators clashing over whether Rizal’s life and his novels should be integrated into the students’ curriculum. The issue became even more complicated when Catholic schools threatened to close down if Recto’s bill became law. However, Recto saw through their bluff, knowing that closing would mean significant financial losses.

Recto’s Unyielding Stand and a Compromise

Thankfully, we had a senator like Recto during that crucial time—courageous and principled. He stood firm against the Catholic schools’ threats, which ultimately proved empty. While the schools backed down from their closure threat, they vowed not to support senators who sided with Recto in the upcoming elections.

Recto and his supporters remained unyielding in their pursuit of incorporating Rizal’s life and his novels into the student curriculum. After lengthy arguments and discussions, a compromise was reached: schools would use an edited version of the Noli and Fili, with sections deemed objectionable by the Church removed.

Recto was initially displeased with this compromise, believing it would diminish Rizal’s legacy. However, the agreement for an edited version ultimately prevailed, with college students retaining the option to read the unedited versions of the Noli and Fili.

The Lasting Impact of the Rizal Law

Looking back today, the Church’s opposition to Recto’s proposal seems unfounded. Because of RA 1425, countless Filipinos were compelled to read the Noli and Fili, opening their eyes to the abuses of the friars during Spanish rule. It fostered a sense of unity among Filipinos in their fight for freedom.

It’s truly a blessing that we had a senator like Recto. Without him, Rizal’s memory might have faded into obscurity, and few would have taken the initiative to read his profound works. Thanks to the Rizal Law, many students were perhaps “forced” to read these novels. Yet, it’s safe to say that many, like myself, genuinely enjoyed reading Rizal’s masterpieces. I gained a deeper understanding of Rizal and a clearer picture of Filipino life during the Spanish era.

What are your thoughts on the Rizal Law’s impact? Do you believe the edited versions of Rizal’s novels are sufficient, or should the unedited versions be mandatory for all?