Course Syllabus in Philippine Government and Constitution, 1st Semester, AY 2011-2012

COURSE SYLLABUS

1^st Semester, A.Y. 2011-2012

Course Code                            : SS101

Course Title                               : PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT AND CONSTITUTION

                       

Course Credits                          : 3 units

Class Schedule and Room         : Thursday, 1:00PM-4:00PM (C5), Room 102

                                                  Friday, 7:00AM-10:00AM (Main), Room 305     

                                   

Course Instructor                       : Marlon B. Raquel

                                                  Master of Arts in Demography (continuing), UP Diliman

  Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (Political Science), UP Tacloban

Consultation Hours                    : WTh, 4:00PM-6:00PM/Sat, 7:00AM-3:00PM at the Faculty Room

                                                  Or by appointment, email me at raquel.marlon@yahoo.com

Contact Numbers                      : 553-9187 (C5); 839-1903 (Main) 

Class Website                           : http://tfvc2010.blogspot.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course deals with the development, structure, and operation of the Philippine government as embodied in the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines with emphasis on the present.  

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the semester, you should be able to learn the following four Ds (4Ds):

1. Describe the key concepts and theoretical approaches and frameworks of political analysis in analyzing past and present developments of the Philippine government;
2. Distinguish the structure, functions, and issues of the three branches of government, the Constitutional Commissions, and other political institutions;
3. Discuss the basic principles and the development of the present Constitution; and
4. Develop an interest in the political system equipped with knowledge on your rights, duties, and responsibilities as a member of the Philippine society.

COURSE OUTLINE:

One (1) semester is equivalent to eighteen (18) weeks, or its equivalent of normally six (6) school days a week, or one hundred (100) days (CHED Memorandum Order No. 40, Series of 2008).

Session #1                   Discussion of syllabus and course orientation

Introduction to Political Science and Its Relation to Other Disciplines

Importance of Studying Philippine Constitution

Readings:          De Leon, pp. 1-5, Zulueta, pp. 1-20, Article XIV, Sec. 3 [1]

Session #2                   Meaning and Elements of State

Theories on the Origin of State

                                    State, Nation, and Government Distinguished    

                                    Different Forms and Systems of Government

                                    The Doctrine of Parens Patriae and Doctrine of State Immunity from Suit

                                    The Three Inherent Powers of the State

Readings:          Article III, Sec. 9; Article XII, Sec. 18, Article XVI, Sec. 3

De Leon, pp. 5-9

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques (1762). “The Social Contract.” In Theories of Democracy by Ronald Terchek and Thomas Conte, eds. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., pp.67-74.

Zulueta, pp. 21-43, 63-76

National QuickStat: A Monthly Update of Philippine Statistics. Manila: National Statistics Office. Any available data this year

Short Quiz #1: General Information and Current Events in the Philippines,

Asia, and the World and Course Syllabus

Session #3                   Meaning, Nature, and Scope of Constitution

                                    Kinds of Constitution

                                    The History and Development of the 1987 Philippine Constitution

The Constitutions of La Liga Filipina, Biak-na-Bato (1897), Malolos (1899), 1935 (Commonwealth Period), 1943 (Japanese Occupation), 1973 (Marcos Era), 1986 Provisional Constitution (Freedom Constitution), and the 1987 (Present Constitution)                        

                                    Basic Principles Underlying the Constitution

                                    The Preamble

                                                The Preambles of the 1973 and 1987 Constitutions Compared

Readings:          De Leon, pp. 10-37; Zulueta, pp. 79-91

Session #4                   The National Territory

                                                The Archipelagic Doctrine

Territorial Issues: Spratlys, Sabah, Macclesfield Bank, and Scarborough Shoal

                                    Meaning and Significance of Sovereignty

                                    The Supremacy of Civilian Authority over Military Authority

                                    Duties and Obligations of the Government

                                    The Doctrine of Separation of the Church and State

Readings:          De Leon, pp. 38-55

Bautista, Lowell (2009). The Philippine Treaty and Territorial Water Claims in International Law. Social Science Diliman, 5:1-2, pp. 107-127

                       

Short Quiz #2: Sessions 2 and 3 Topics

Session #5                   PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

Session #6                   Social Justice and Human Rights

                                    The Filipino Family

                                    The Role of Youth and Women in Nation-Building

                                    Health, Ecology, and Education

                                    Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, and Sports

                                                                       

Readings:          De Leon, pp. 56-66, 397-402, 420, 422-488

Short Quiz #3: Session 4 Topics

Session #7                               Declaration of State Policies and Principles, cont….

                                                Labor, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform

                                                National Economy and Patrimony

                                                Indigenous Cultural Minorities

                                                Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs)

                                                Information and Communication Technology (ICT)          

Readings: De Leon, pp. 66-69, 354-396, 403-416, 421-422

Short Quiz #4: Session 6 Topics

Session #8                    Bill of Rights

                                                Historical Background, Nature, Purpose and Basis of Bill of Rights

                                                Due Process and Equal Protection of Law

                                                The Three Inalienable Human Rights: Life, Liberty, and Property                                                   Search Warrant, Warrant of Arrest, Warrantless Arrest, and Seizure

                                                Freedom of Expression, Religion, Abode and Travel

                                                Writ of Habeas Corpus

                                                Debt and Tax   

                                                Double Jeopardy

                                                Ex Post Facto Law and Bill of Attainder

Readings:          De Leon, pp. 73-129

Session #9                    Citizenship

                                                Citizenship vs. Nationality

                                                Subject vs. Alien

                                                Ways of Acquiring Citizenship

                                                Loss and Reacquisition of Citizenship

                                                Dual Allegiance to the Philippine Republic

                                                Duties and Obligations of Filipino Citizens

                                    Suffrage

                                                Meaning, Nature, and Scope of Suffrage

                                                Qualifications of Voters

                                                The Voting Process

                                                Sanctity and Secrecy of Ballots

                                                Absentee Voting

Readings:          De Leon, 130-152; Zulueta, pp. 94-104, 119-127

Short Quiz #5: Sessions 7 and 8 Topics

Session #10                 MIDTERM EXAMINATION

Session #11                  The Legislative Department

                                                Meaning of Legislative Power

                                                Unicameral vs. Bicameral Legislature

                                                The Senate

                                                The House of Representatives

                                                Qualifications and Powers of Senators and Congressmen

                                                The Party-List System

                                                Salary and Immunity

                                                Disqualifications and Removal from Office

                                                Limitations on the Powers of Congress

                                                How a Bill Becomes a Law

Readings:          De Leon, pp. 153-204; Zulueta, pp. 205-216

The 2011 Budget in Brief. Available at the Department of Budget and Management’s website

Short Quiz #6: Session 9 Topics

Session #12                  The Executive Department

                                                Meaning of Executive Power

                                                Qualifications of the President and the Vice-President

                                                The Cabinet Secretaries

                                                The Powers and Duties of the President

                                                Presidential Succession

                                                Salaries of the President and the Vice-President

Readings:          De Leon, pp. 206-240; Zulueta, pp. 219-230

                       

                       

Session #13                  The Judicial Department

                                                Meaning of Judicial Power

                                                Organization of Courts

                                                Composition of the Supreme Court

                                                Qualifications of the Members of the Supreme Court

                                                Powers and Obligations of Supreme Court Justices

                                                Meaning, Form, and Procedure of Court Decisions

Salary

Readings:          De Leon, 241-272; Zulueta, pp. 233-245

           

                        2009 Supreme Court Annual Report. Available at the SC’s website

Short Quiz #7: Sessions 11, 12 and 13 Topics

Session#14                  PRE-FINAL EXAMINATION

Session #15                  The Constitutional Commissions

                                                The Civil Service Commission (CSC)

                                                The Commission on Elections (COMELEC)

                                                The Commission on Audit (COA)

                                    Composition, Qualifications, Powers, and Functions      

                                    Salaries of Members of the Constitutional Commissions

Readings:          De Leon, pp. 273-315

                       

Session #16                  The Local Government Units (LGUs)

                                                Meaning and Importance of Local Governments

                                                Centralization vs. Decentralization

                                                Powers, Term of Office, and Representation

                                                The Local Government Code

                                                Creation, Division, and Merger of Local Government Units

                                                Autonomous Regions

Readings:          De Leon, 317-334; Zulueta, pp. 289-298

                        Republic Act No. 7160. The Local Government Code of 1991

Tapales (1993). Devolution and Empowerment: The Local Government Code of 1991 and Local Autonomy in the Philippines. Quezon City: UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies’ State of the Nation Report No. 7

Session #17                  Accountability of Public Officers

                                                Meaning and Nature of Public Office

                                                Meaning and Nature of Impeachment

                                                Sandiganbayan and Ombudsman: Powers, Functions, and Duties

                                               

                                    General and Transitory Provisions and Amendments or Revisions

Readings:          De Leon, pp. 335-353, 508-527

                       

Short Quiz #8: Sessions 15, 16 and 17 Topics

Session #18                 FINAL EXAMINATION

                                   

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Note: Submissions of academic papers and assignments beyond the deadlines will not be entertained/accepted/approved!

Major Exams – Four (4) major exams are usually given in a semester – prelim, midterm, pre-final and final exams. However, in this class no prelim and pre-final tests will be given; only midterm and final exams will be administered to you. There are other requirements you need to submit in lieu of the prelim and pre-final exams which will be discussed below.

No prelim exam will be given. However, you are required to submit two (2) reviews. Two articles dealing with Philippine Government and Constitution will be given to you on the second class meeting. You have three weeks to read the articles, re-read them, synthesize the writers’ points of view, and make your own analysis. Reviews must be HANDWRITTEN in yellow papers/bond papers. Deadline of submission is on:

July 14, 2011 (Thursday) until 6:00PM – For Thursday class

July 15, 2011 (Friday) until 6:00PM – For Friday class

For the midterm exam (2-3 pages), a combination of different types of tests will be given such as multiple-choice questions, enumeration, true-or-false questions, essays, etc.  This will be a 100-point test. The midterm exam will be administered on:

August 18, 2011 (Thursday) – For Thursday class

                        August 19, 2011 (Friday) – For Friday class

A research paper is a major requirement in this course which is equivalent to your pre-final exam. This is a group work. Each group should have three (3) members each. I strongly suggest using the American Psychological Association (APA) Style in writing your research paper. Use 8.5” by 11” bond paper; font size should be 12 if you use Times New Roman or 11-point size if you use Arial (Don’t use other font type!); one inch in all margins; double space; and with a title page. Contents of the research paper, e.g., format, will be discussed to you on the first class session. Submission is on or before:

September 15 (Thursday), 2011 until 12:00NN – For Thursday class

September 16 (Friday), 2011 until 7:00AM – For Friday class

There will be an oral presentation by each group on your chosen research topic scheduled above. Each group can choose one of the topics below.

1. The Best Form and System of Government in the Philippines: Presidential-Unitary vs. Parliamentary-Federal
2. The Roots of Filipino Communism: History, Ideologies, and  Struggles
3. The Charter Change Issue: Boon or Bane?
4. A Comparative Study of Arroyo and Aquino Administrations
5. Any topic related to Philippine Government and Constitution subject to my approval

For the final exam (2-3 pages), questions will be composed of multiple-choice and essay questions. Coverage includes but not limited to the questions on short quizzes and the midterm exam. Date of the final examination is on:

October 13 (Thursday), 2011 – For Thursday class

October 15 (Friday), 2011 – For Friday class

Short Quizzes – There will be eight (8) short quizzes to be given for the entire semester. All questions are objective type. Questions could be enumeration, multiple choice, or true-or-false. No essay or definition of terms will be given. Each quiz consists of not less than 10 items but not more than 20 items. They will be given right after the lecture-discussion but the topics covered are those that have been discussed two weeks before. This type of test will measure your memory. Please be aware of the dates of the short quizzes.

Online Assignments – Four assignments will be given to you throughout the duration of the course. Assignments will be available two weeks before the deadline on our class website at http://tfvc2010.blogspot.com. Look for the link with the heading “ASSIGNMENT, i.e, Assignment No. 1, Assignment No. 2, Assignment No. 3 and Assignment No. 4” then click “Philippine Government and Constitution.” Deadlines of submission are indicated below for both classes.

                        Assignment 1                            9 July 2011, 11:59PM

                        Assignment 2                            13 August 2011, 11:59PM

                        Assignment 3                            10 September 2011, 11:59PM

                        Assignment 4                            8 October 2011, 11:59PM

Class Participation – Class participation will measure your involvement during discussions. This class is not designed for a one-way process; this is a two-way communication. Therefore, recitation is of vital importance. If there is something that is not clear to you, you better ask. You are free to disagree with me or your classmates even at the middle of my lecture. Exercise your freedom of expression. Just make sure you are able to defend and justify your position.

GRADING SYSTEM:

Midterm Grade:                                                 Final Period Grade:

2 Reviews – 30%                                               Research Paper – 30%

Midterm Exam – 30%                                        Final Exam – 30%

2 Online Assignments – 15%                              2 Online Assignments – 15%

4 Quizzes – 15%                                                4 Quizzes – 15%

Class Participation – 10%                                  Class Participation – 10%

FINAL GRADE = Midterm Grade (40%) + Final Period Grade (60%)

                                                           

*** Final grades will be posted online. Check out http://tfvc2010.blogspot.com

TWO WEEKS after the final examination period ***

CLASSROOM POLICIES:

The moment you enrolled in the college, you agree to submit yourself to the school policies. Academic institutions are not social clubs; we have rules to follow.

Attendance – It is your responsibility to come to class on our schedule and on time. I will be checking your attendance regularly. Inform me early if you will be late or if you will leave early. Any one who gets a perfect attendance will receive 0.25-point bonus on the FINAL GRADE. Perfect attendance means being present in all class sessions. Those with excused absences will not be given the bonus grade.

A student who has incurred 11 hours of absences in a 3-unit subject during the regular semester shall be dropped from the roll and given a failing grade (Article VIII, College Student Handbook: The Fisher Valley College). The 5^th absence will qualify you to receive a W/F (withdrawal failure) mark equivalent to a grade of 5.0. Necessary warnings will be given to you with excessive absences and names of students who have incurred 4 or more absences will be reported to the Associate College Director so that necessary notice can be given to the parents/guardian (No. 4, Policy Guidelines for Faculty). 

Three (3) tardiness marks would mean one (1) day of absence. A student who leaves the classroom and stay out for the duration of the class period without the professor’s permission shall be marked “absent” (Article VIII, College Student Handbook: The Fisher Valley College). However, don't use this as an excuse for you to come to class late. This time allowance has been designed for working students and those who have children to take care of before going to school. Unavoidable circumstances like traffic are also given consideration. 

Cellphone and Other Electronic Gadgets Policy – I strongly discourage you using your cellphones, laptops, and other similar gadgets while we are having class discussions. It does not only distract me; it is also annoying to your classmates who are listening to my lectures. You are expected to demonstrate respect to everyone and avoid disruptive behaviors.

Make-up Exams – I do not give make-up exams EXCEPT for serious illness or death in the family. Do not make other commitments on the scheduled dates of examinations. If you have your examination permit signed by the authorized school authorities and you fail to take the exam, you will get a grade of 60% or 5.0 on that particular exam. Failure to take the final examination because of unpaid tuition fee, on the other hand, would mean an INC grade. There is NO EXEMPTION.

Academic Integrity – You are expected to maintain academic integrity at all times. Avoid cheating during quizzes and examinations. When you cheat, you are making a contribution to the degradation of the quality of your college education. Plagiarism will not be tolerated as well. In every academic paper you submit, make sure that you cite properly the authors/institutions of your references. Claiming something as your own when you actually copied it from someone is a clear violation. Hiring someone to do your assignments, research papers, or other related works is also an offense to academic integrity. Any violation committed will have a corresponding disciplinary action as outlined in the College Student Handbook.

Index Cards - You are required to submit an index card no later than the 3^rd class meeting containing the following information:

Front:

1. Last Name, Given Name, Middle Name
2. Student Number, Course, and Section
3. Address (Provincial and Metro Manila)
4. Contact Numbers (Landline, Cellular Phone, Email Address, Personal Website)
5. Include a 1” x 1” recent photo PASTED (NOT STAPLED) on the upper right corner of the index card. 

Back:

a.       All exams, quizzes, and assignments

b.      Attendance record

If you follow all these policies, you will surely survive in all of my subjects.

TEXTBOOKS:

De Leon, H. S. (2008). Textbook on the Philippine Constitution. Quezon City: Rex Book Store.

Zulueta, F. M. (2003). Foundations and Dynamics of Political Science. Quezon City: Academic Publishing Corporation.

REFERENCES:

Abinales, P. N. & Amoroso, D.J. (2005). State and Government in the Philippines. New York:  Rowman and Littlefield Publishers.

Morada, N., et al (2006). Philippine Politics and Governance: An Introduction. Quezon City: The University of the Philippines Press.

Muñoz, M. R. & Muñoz, D. G. (2002). Philippines Governance and Constitution. Quezon City: Katha Publishing House.

 

Nolledo, J. (2009). The Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines: Explained (English-Filipino Version). Manila: National Book Store.

           

Newspapers, websites, movies, articles, and research papers

Memorandum Order No. 247

MALACANANG
MANILA

MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 247

DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SPORTS AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION TO FULLY IMPLEMENT REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425 ENTITLED "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 NOVELS, NOLI ME TANGERE AND EL FILIBUSTERISMO, AUTHORIZING THE PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES"

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 1425 approved on June 12, 1956, directs all schools, colleges and universities, public and private, to include in their curricula, courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo which "are a constant and inspiring source of patriotism with which the minds of the youth, especially during their formative and decisive years in school should be suffused;"

WHEREAS, according to Dr. Rizal, "the school is the book in which is written the future of the nation;"

WHEREAS, in 1996, the Filipino people will commemorate the centennial of Rizal’s martyrdom and, two years thereafter, the centennial of the Declaration of Philippine Independence; and

WHEREAS, as we prepare to celebrate these watershed events in our history, it is necessary to rekindle in the heart of every Filipino, especially the youth, the same patriotic fervor that once galvanized our forebears to outstanding achievements so we can move forward together toward a greater destiny as we enter the 21st century.

NOW, THEREFORE, I FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, hereby direct the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education to take steps to immediately and fully implement the letter, intent and spirit of Republic Act No. 1425 and to impose, should it be necessary, appropriate disciplinary action against the governing body and/or head of any public or private school, college or university found not complying with said law and the rules, regulations, orders and instructions issued pursuant thereto.

Within thirty (30) days from issuance hereof, the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education are hereby directed to jointly submit to the President of the Philippines a report on the steps they have taken to implement this Memorandum Order, and one (1) year thereafter, another report on the extent of compliance by both public and private schools in all levels with the provisions of R.A. No. 1425.

This Memorandum Order takes effect immediately after its issuance.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 26th day of December in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Four.

(SGD.) FIDEL V. RAMOS
President

Republic Act No. 229

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 229

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT COCKFIGHTING, HORSE RACING AND JAI-ALAI ON THE THIRTIETH DAY OF DECEMBER OF EACH YEAR AND TO CREATE A COMMITTEE TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE PROPER CELEBRATION OF RIZAL DAY IN EVERY MUNICIPALITY AND CHARTERED CITY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. The existing laws and regulations to the contrary notwithstanding, cockfighting, horse racing and jai-alai are hereby prohibited on the thirtieth day of December each year, the date of the martyrdom of our great hero, Jose Rizal.

SECTION 2. It shall be the official duty of the mayor of each municipality and chartered city to create a committee to take charge of the proper observance of Rizal Day Celebration of each year, in which he shall be the chairman, which shall be empowered to seek the assistance and co-operation of any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the Government, and the local civic and educational institutions. Among the ceremonies on Rizal Day shall be the raising of the Philippine flag at half mast in all vessels and public buildings.

SECTION 3. Any person who shall violate the provisions of this Act or permit or allow the violation thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not exceeding two hundred pesos or by imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both, at the discretion of the court. In case he is the mayor of a municipality or a chartered city he shall suffer an additional punishment of suspension from his office for a period of one month. In case of partnerships, corporations or associations, the criminal liability shall devolve upon the president, director, or any other official responsible for the violation thereof.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved, June 9, 1948.

Classes start on June 14 (Tuesday) for 1st Sem, AY 2011-2012

Our classes will start on Tuesday, June 14 for the 1st Semester, A.Y, 2011-2012. Please make sure that you are OFFICIALLY ENROLLED in The Fisher Valley College. How would you know? You should have your CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION on hand, otherwise, your professors will not accept you in classes. Your registration form will be submitted on the first day of classes.

Republic Act No. 1425

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 novels NOLI ME TANGERE and EL FILIBUSTERISMO, Authorizing the Printing and Distribution Thereof, and for Other Purposes.

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.

Whereas, it is meet that in honoring them, particularly the national hero and patriot, Jose Rizal, we remember with special fondness and devotion their lives and works that have shaped the national character;

Whereas, the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, are a constant and inspiring source of patriotism with which the minds of the youth, especially during their formative and decisive years in school, should be suffused.

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; Now therefore,

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled.

SEC.1

Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, shall be included in the curricula of all schools, colleges and universities, public or private; Provided, That in the collegiate courses, the original or unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their English translations shall be used as basic texts.

The Board of National Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt forthwith measures to implement and carry out the provisions of this Section, including the writing and printing of appropriate primers, readers and textbooks. The Board shall, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act promulgate rules and regulations, including those of a disciplinary nature, to carry out and enforce the regulations of this Act. The Board shall promulgate rules and regulations providing for the exemption of students for reason of religious belief stated in a sworn written statement, from the requirement of the provision contained in the second part of the first paragraph of this section; but not from taking the course provided for in the first part of said paragraph. Said rules and regulations shall take effect thirty (30) days after their publication in the Official Gazette.

SEC. 2
It shall be obligatory on all schools, colleges and universities to keep in their libraries an adequate number of copies of the original and expurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as Rizal’s other works and biography. The said unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their translations in English as well as other writings of Rizal shall be included in the list of approved books for required reading in all public or private schools, colleges and universities.

The Board of National Education shall determine the adequacy of the number of books, depending upon the enrollment of the school, college or university.

SEC.3
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.

SEC.4
Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amending or repealing section nine hundred twenty-seven of the Administrative Code, prohibiting the discussion of religious doctrines by public school teachers and other persons engaged in any public school.

SEC.5
The sum of three hundred thousand pesos is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of any fund not otherwise appropriated in the National Treasury to carry out the purposes of this Act.

SEC.6
This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: June 12, 1956 

The fight over the Rizal Law by Ambeth Ocampo

The fight over the Rizal Law

By Ambeth Ocampo
Inquirer
First Posted 01:53am (Mla time) 05/04/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- While writing the conclusion of this two-part column, I caught a story on CNN regarding a new hurdle for prospective immigrants to the United States. Aside from an English proficiency test, they now have to pass an oral history test before they are granted US citizenship. Americans were not comfortable with the history pop quiz, considering this better suited for “Jeopardy” than the US Immigration and Naturalization Service. A review class was shown with the teacher reminding the students about the colors of the American flag. While most knew it was red, white and blue, someone added yellow into the mix. Knowledge of history, it was argued, made a better citizen.


We are ruled by many laws, yet we rarely read these if only to gain an appreciation of their spirit and intent. Republic Act 1425, better known as the Rizal Law, was passed to teach Filipino students nationalism or love of country as expressed in the life and writings of Jose Rizal. The preamble states that it is the duty of schools “to develop moral character, personal discipline, civic conscience, and to teach the duties of citizenship.” On those general terms, there is nothing controversial except that one of the means to that end was to make Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” required reading in schools. Considering the novels, in part, anti-Catholic, the Church could not accept these as “a constant and inspiring source of patriotism with which the minds of the youth, especially during their formative and decisive years in school, should be suffused,” as the law states.


Going through the novels with a fine-tooth comb, specific passages were deemed offensive to the Catholic faith. Church spokesmen argued that Catholics could read selected passages from Rizal’s work, but to compel Catholics to read Rizal’s novels in its “unexpurgated” or uncensored version was to force heresy on them and violate their freedom of conscience. Catholic schools put up a good fight and even threatened to close down if the Rizal bill was passed. Claro M. Recto calmly told them to go ahead so the state could then nationalize all the schools and teach what it wanted. The Church retreated but threatened to “punish” erring legislators in future elections. Recto was undaunted.


A compromise was suggested with a proposal to use “expurgated” versions of the novels as textbooks, with the “unexpurgated” copies to be kept under lock and key in the school libraries, to be used or made available only at the discretion and or approval of higher school officials. Recto pushed ahead. He did not want an adulterated reading of the novels, he did not want a watered-down bill and declared, “The people who would eliminate the books of Rizal from the schools would blot out from our minds the memory of the national hero. This is not a fight against Recto but a fight against Rizal. Now that Rizal is dead and they can no longer attempt at his life, they are attempting to blot out his memory.”


Section 1 of RA 1425 states: “Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels, shall be included in the curricula of all schools, colleges and universities, public or private; Provided that in the collegiate courses, the original or unexpurgated editions or their English translations shall be used as basic texts.”


It is clear from this that students are to read either the original Spanish or translations of these, and that they should be read whole and unedited, yet a compromise is also found in the law: “The Board of National Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt forthwith measures to implement and carry out the provisions of this Section, including the writing and printing of appropriate primers, readers and textbooks. The Board shall promulgate rules and regulations, including those of a disciplinary nature, to carry out and enforce the regulations of this Act. The Board shall promulgate rules and regulations providing for the exemption of students, for reason of religious belief stated in a sworn written statement, from the requirement of the provision contained in the second part of the first paragraph of this section; but not from taking the course.”


It is not well known that an exemption from the reading of the novels, based on religious belief, is available, but not exemption from the course. To date nobody has applied for this exemption. Besides, anyone who wants to avail himself of it won’t know how to go about it.


The next two sections have to do with making the novels available. Section 2 directs schools to keep “an adequate” number of copies of the novels in their libraries. Do school libraries today have enough on the shelves to serve the entire school population? What is the intent of the law, to make copies available free for every student or merely keep enough for reference?


Section 3 adds that the Board of National Education should have the novels translated into the major Philippine languages, “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.”


Can we go to our “barangay” [villages] today and get copies of Rizal’s novels for free? I doubt it. But returning to the law and knowing how it came to help us appreciate the rationale for having Rizal taught in schools today.


* * *
Comments are welcome at aocampo@ateneo.edu.


Source: http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=63978

86% of my Facebook friends are in favor of RH Bill

Yesterday, I posted a question in my Facebook account with a highly debated issue in the country today. The question is, "Pabor ka ba sa Reproductive Health (RH) Bill?" In English, it's "Are you in favor of the RH Bill?" Of the 62 respondents, 53 of them or 86% said that they are in favor of passing the bill into law while 9 respondents or equivalent to 14% said they are not in favor of the controversial bill. 


Here's a list of comments posted:


With the YES NA YES:

1. yes, I am and currently using contraceptive its for my kids din


2.  thanks for that... i hate watching street children who have nothing to eat, i hate seeing them sipping and breathing rugby just to suffice their hungry...i dont know if priest do really feel it, after all they are single blessedness, not experienced to have a lot of children to feed...


3. kci sobrang dmi na nang tao sa mudo kya dapat ipa2pad yan


4. population explosion na kse ang nangyayari>>


5. yes ako.. daming tao na sa pinas eh,.. lulubog na ang pinas sa sobrang dami ng tao,..


6. yes kz.....nkikita aman nla ang hirap na dinadaanan ng pilipinas hindi maxama ang mag kaaak pero xana icipin man lng nla na ang bata dn ang mahihirapan xa huli kz wala cla mapakain o d kya d nla mapaaral..kya ang pagsasakatuparan ng rh bill ay hindi q cnaxabi na totally mawawala ang kahirapan pero at least mabawasan.....gx2 q lng i share ang nais qng xabihin kz pilipino dn aman aq ehhh.....jjajjjajja


7. para mapag handaan mo ang kinabukasan ng mga anak mo at sa sarili mo .

With the  'BIG NO' comments:

1. My dear friends, it´s time to think whether you are going to control the size of your family by using man made solutions of controlling the population or by refraining from sex so that you will not contribute to the increase of population. You will be making yourself pure in the eyes of God if you have no urge in sex be it in opposite sex or sex with the same gender.


2. I AM NOT IN FAVOR OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL BECAUSE IT IS ABIG SIN TO OUR GOD ONCE THE LIVING SPERM CELL ENTERS THE WOMAN BODY, IT HAS THE RIGHT TO LIVE. SO MAN HAS NO RIGHT TO KILL THE LIVING CELL.

IF YOUR PROBLEM IS TO CONTROL POPULATION, THE SOLUTION IS NOT TO ENGAGE IN SEX SO THAT THERE WILL BE NO POSSIBILITY OF MULTIPLYING THE POPULATION. AND GOD WILL BLESS YOU MORE IF YOU LIVE A LIFE OF SINGLE BLESSEDNESS.


3. THE REASON WHY GOD THE FATHER IS ANGRY, AND THAT HE CONTINUOUSLY CLEANSE THE WORLD BY DELUGE, EARTHQUAKE AND OTHER CALAMITIES IS DUE TO MAN´S DISOBEDIENCE TO HIS WILL. MAN USES HIS KNOWLEDGE, POWER, AND WILL TO SOLVE HIS OWN PROBLEMS SUCH AS PROBLEM ON POPULATION. MAN DOES NOT SEEK HELP FROM GOD ON HOW TO SOLVE HIS PROBLEMS. IN OTHER WORDS, MAN IS NOT AT ALL TIMES DEPENDENT ON GOD´S WILL. AND THAT´S THE REASON WHY THE SINS OF MANKIND ARE ACCUMULATED AND NO ONE CAN STOP THE WRATH OF GOD IF MAN WILL NOT REPENT AND TURNS TO GOD

So what does this show? You decide.

This is a post I originally wrote in my other blog. 

Final Grades in Rizal's Life and Works (Summer)

Student	FINAL	Remarks
Number	GRADE
410027	1.75	Passed
4091249	1.50	Passed
4100223	3.00	Passed
4102031	1.50	Passed
4102077	1.25	Passed
4102079	1.75	Passed
4102068	1.75	Passed
4091211	1.75	Passed
4102055	2.00	Passed
4081120	2.00	Passed
4102070	WF	Dropped
4081083	WF	Dropped
4051122	2.00	Passed

Final Grades in Fundamentals of Sociology (Summer)

Student	FINAL	Remarks
Number	GRADE
5051285	1.25	Passed
4031105	W/F	Dropped
4091109	W/F	Dropped
4071037	W/F	Dropped
4082001	W/F	Dropped
4081083	W/F	Dropped

CHED Memorandom Order No. 3, s. 1995

COMMISSION OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Office of the President of the Philippines

January 13, 1995

CHED MEMORANDUM
No. 3, s. 1995

To:
Head of State Colleges and Universities
Head of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities
Office of the President Memorandum Order No. 247

Re: Implementation of Republic Act No. 1425

1. Enclosed is a copy of Memorandum Order No. 247 dated December 26, from the Office of the President of the Philippines entitled, "Directing Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the CHAIRMAN OF COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION to fully implement the Republic Act No. 1425 entitled "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 novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, authorizing the printing and distribution thereof and for other purposes" for guidance of all concerned.
2. Strict compliance therewith is requested.

(sgd) MONA D. VALISNO
Commissioner
Officer-in-Charge