Summary
Highlights
The instructor welcomes students to the petition summer class for 'Life and Works of Rizal.' He explains the challenges in forming the class due to scheduling conflicts and the requirement for a minimum of 35 students to officially run the petition.
The professor outlines policies for the online class. Major exams will be conducted face-to-face in accordance with PUP policy. He emphasizes professionalism in online settings, requiring students to use their real names and profile pictures rather than avatars or aliases.
The professor explains that the Rizal subject is required by law (RA 1425/Rizal Law) and the Philippine Constitution, making it mandatory for all students regardless of their major. He highlights the legislative process of how a bill becomes law, including the presidential veto and congressional override powers.
A detailed discussion on the legislative branch's role, the presidential veto power, and the specific requirements for Congress to override a veto (a 2/3 majority in both the Senate and the House). He also explains the concept of automatic enactment if no action is taken by the president within 30 days.
The instructor discusses why Senator Jose P. Laurel Sr. supported Rizal's works, focusing on Rizal's courage in criticizing the powerful clergy of his time. He explains the historical lack of 'separation of church and state' during the Spanish era compared to the protections in the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
The professor challenges students to be critical and objective thinkers, drawing lessons from Rizal's life. He encourages students to prioritize loyalty to the nation over loyalty to individuals and outlines the future structure of the class, which will combine synchronous discussions with asynchronous activities.