1. Compare and Contrast the views of in favor and against the R.A 1425, considering the context of the 1950s. Would similar arguments still have force today?
According to an article in Philnews.ph, the implementation of the Rizal Law bought so many issues for the churches. Catholic churches became against the implementation of RA 1425. Rizal’s work Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo were the key instigator of the Philippine Revolution. However, this works and writings of Rizal portrayed the religious sector or the church as antagonist in the stories. Claro Mayo Recto one of the co writer of the Rizal Bill was soon criticized by the churches. Recto was accused of being a communist and anti-catholic that led for the issue to be on fire.
Churches claimed that reading Rizal’s works will violate freedom of conscience and religion. This reason Catholic churches came together and campaigned against Recto and the Rizal Bill. They urge faith advocates to fight and write to their congressmen and senators to show opposition. Francisco SOC Rodrigo Mariano Jesus Cuenco emphasized that Rizal attacked the practices and beliefs of the church. However, only two people opposed, the Bill was passed and approved by the senate.
The arguments in the 1950s would not have force for today’s times. In my opinion, even if there are people that’s against the RA 1425, fighting against it will not be worth it. The Rizal Bill was approved by the Senate and later became a law. It has been decade since the implementation of R.A 1425 , taking acts against the law for it to be null and void would take many more time and hearings. In addition, many youths and people were given inspiration by Rizal’s works and writings. Youths had the courage to stand and love the country. Thus, in today’s time, churches became more prevalent, although it’s not just the Catholic Region that has stake in government affairs. The church has been more involved in politics, opposing Bills that goes against their beliefs.
2. Who made Rizal our National Hero?
Palafox (2012) stated that Rizal acquired the official title of the Philippine National Hero in the year 1901, five years after he was executed. Rizal acquired the title under the country’s first American Civil Governor, Howard William Taft. It was stated that American colonizers gave Rizal the title to win the sympathy of the Filipinos, and to convince that Americans are pro-Filipinos more than the Spaniards. This was done by Americans to make Filipinos conform to the new government.
By the recommendation of Trinidad Pardo de Tavera,m the taft Commission honored Rizal as the country’s greatest hero and martyr by renaming the politico-military district of Morong into the Province of Rizal through the Act No. 137 dated on June 11,1901. This was the first official steps taken by the American Government under Governor Howard Taft.
REFERENCES
Ki (n. d.), Issues and Interest on Rizal Law – Do These Issues Remain Today?
Retrieved from: https://philnews.ph/2020/05/14/issues-and-interests-on-rizal-law-do-these-issues-remain-today/
Palafox, Q. A. (2012), Historical Context and Legal Basis of Rizal Day and other Memorials in Honor of Jose Rizal
Retrieved from: https://nhcp.gov.ph/historical-context-and-legal-basis-of-rizal-day-and-other-memoriala-in-honor-of-jose-rizal/