House Bill No. 5561 holds a significant place in Philippine legislative history. Passed during the post-war era of nation-building, this bill laid the foundation for commemorating one of the country's greatest heroes. On May 2, 1956 , the Senate of the Philippines officially endorsed House Bill No. 5561 without any alterations — a rare occurrence in the legislative process that demonstrated widespread political support for the measure. What Was House Bill No. 5561? House Bill No. 5561 was a legislative proposal introduced in the House of Representatives of the Philippines during the Third Congress . The bill aimed to require the inclusion of the life, works, and writings of Dr. José Rizal — particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo — as part of the curriculum in all public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the country. The bill was authored by Senator Claro M. Recto , one of the Philippines’ most prominent nationalists and intellectual...