Sentate Office of the secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session ) 26 JAN 12 P5:06 SENATE RECEIVED BY S. No. 1659 Introduced by Senator Robinhood Padilla AN ACT INTEGRATING THE STUDY OF THE PHILIPPINES' SOVEREIGNTY OVER NORTH BORNEO (SABAH) IN THE CURRICULA OF ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BASIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS EXPLANATORY NOTE The question of the Philippines' sovereignty claim over North Borneo, now known as Sabah, remains a significant yet often misunderstood chapter of Philippine history and foreign relations. Rooted in historical treaties, legal instruments, and continuing assertions of sovereign rights by the heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu, the Sabah claim forms part of the broader narrative of Philippine territorial integrity and national patrimony. In recent years, the spread of historical distortion, selective narratives, and public unfamiliarity with the legal and factual bases of the Philippine claim have weakened public understanding of this longstanding issue. This situation underscores the urgent need to educate the younger generation on the historical origins, legal foundations, and contemporary implications of the Sabah claim, consistent with the State's duty to inculcate patriotism, nationalism, and informed citizenship. This proposed measure seeks to institutionalize the inclusion of the study of North Borneo (Sabah) in the basic education curricula of all public and private schools in order for the State to be able to ensure that Filipino learners are equipped with accurate, balanced, and age-appropriate knowledge of the Philippines' sovereign
claims, the principles of international law involved, and the broader implications for national identity and foreign policy. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. ROBINHOOD PADILLA Senator
Senate Difice of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session ) 26 JAN 12 P5:06 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1659 Introduced by Senator Robinhood Padilla AN ACT INTEGRATING THE STUDY OF THE PHILIPPINES' SOVEREIGNTY OVER NORTH BORNEO (SABAH) IN THE CURRICULA OF ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BASIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Sabah Mandatory
Education Act."
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to inculcate
4 in the youth patriotism, nationalism, and historical awareness among Filipino learners 5 by ensuring that vital issues affecting national sovereignty are taught in schools in a 6 factual, objective and educational manner.
Sec. 3. Integration in the Basic Education Curriculum. - The study of the
8 Philippines' sovereignty claim over North Borneo (Sabah) shall be integrated into the 9 curricula of all public and private basic educational institutions, particularly in subjects 10 such as: a. Philippine History; b. Araling Panlipunan; c. Social Studies; d. Civics and Culture; or e. Other relevant subjects as may be determined by the Department of Education (DepEd)
Sec. 4. Scope and Content of Instruction. - The instruction on Sabah issue shall
2 include, but not limited to the following: a. Historical background of the Sultanate of Sulu and its relation to Sabah; b. Treaties, agreements, and documents relevant to the Philippine claim; c. Legal and constitutional bases of Philippine sovereignty claim; d. Developments in international law and diplomacy related to territorial claims; and e. The importance of peaceful resolution, diplomacy, and adherence to international law. The content shall be age-appropriate, fact-based, and presented in a balanced and non-inflammatory manner.
Sec. 5. Development of Instructional Materials. - The DepEd, in coordination
with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and other relevant agencies, shall develop standardized teaching guides, modules, and instructional materials for this purpose.
Sec. 6. Teacher Training. - DepEd shall conduct appropriate training programs,
seminars, and capacity-building activities to ensure that teachers are adequately prepared to teach the subject matter competently and responsibly.
Sec. 7. Coverage of Private Educational Institutions. - Private basic educational
institutions shall comply with the provisions of this Act, subject to reasonable rules and regulations to be issued by DepEd consistent with academic freedom and existing education laws.
Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the DepEd, in coordination with the NHCP, the DFA and other agencies concerned, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation.
Sec. 9. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation
of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the DepEd. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.
Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, issuances, and rules and
regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,