The then Board of National Education was mandated to reproduce and distribute the works of Jose Rizal, translated into English, Tagalog, and other dialects in the country, free usage for everyone who wants to read them.
The main proponent of the Rizal Bill was Senator Claro M. Recto. Senator Jose P. Laurel on the other hand, sponsored the bill in the senate. They faced a lot of criticisms especially from the religious sector claiming the bill would violate freedom of conscience and religion. After several amendments, the bill was eventually signed by President Ramon Magsaysay on June 12, 1956.
Sources:
Republict Act 1425. 12 June 1956. “An Act to include in the curricula of all Public and Private Schools, Colleges and Universities Courses on the Life, Works and Writings of Jose Rizal, Particularly his Novls Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Authorizing the Printing and Distribution thereof, and for other purposes” Retrieved 05 June 2013.
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