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House Bill No.

4212

Introduced by ABONO Party-list Representative
HON. ROBERT RAYMUND M. ESTRELLA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

On June 16, 1948, President Elpidio Quirino signed Republic Act No. 289 which
provides for the construction of a “national pantheon for presidents of the Philippines,
national heroes, and patriots of the country” that will serve as the resting place of their mortal
remains. In 1954, President Ramon Magsaysay renamed the cemetery to what is now known
as the Libingan ng mga Bayani. The Libingan ng mga Bayani, located at Fort Bonifacio,
Taguig City, currently accommodates around 50,000 remains of Filipino soldiers and
veterans, presidents, statesmen, government dignitaries, and national artists and scientists.

In the coming years, we can expect that there would be a need for more spaces to
house the remains of our fallen heroes. Further, having only one heroes” cemetery, which is
based in Metro Manila, effectively denies some the opportunity to be buried there considering
its location. This is especially the case for those whose hometown or place of family
residence is in the provinces. Travel to and from Metro Manila makes it difficult for families
to visit their loved ones. Considering this, the government should endeavor to bring these
families closer to their dearly departed.

‘As such, an annex of the Libingan ng mga Bayani should be established in other sites
outside of Metro Manila. For this purpose, Camp Lt. Tito Abat in Manaoag, Pangasinan is a
potentially ideal location. When established, our fallen heroes from Northern Luzon may be
laid to rest much closer to their families and hometowns, thus further honoring their heroic
legacies, as well as their cultural heritage. Finally, through this Act, we extend the
government's sympathies to the bereaved families by providing for a more appropriate setting
wherein to commemorate the memory of their loved ones.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ep. Robert Raymund M-


SIAN

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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4212

Introduced by ABONO Party-list Representative
HON. ROBERT RAYMUND M. ESTRELLA

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LIBINGAN NG MGA BAYANI IN
NORTHERN LUZON, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 “Libingan ng mga Bayani
sa Norte Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is the policy of the State to give dignity and
perpetuate the memory of all our military personnel who died in line of duty as well as those
honorably discharged from their duties, our Presidents, national heroes, artists, and scientists
who brought honor and inspiration to the Filipino citizens of this generation and those to come.
Towards this end, there shall be constructed a heroes’ cemetery which will serve as the burial
place of their remains.

SEC. 3. Establishment of the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Northern Luzon, — There
is hereby established a Libingan ng mga Bayani in Northern Luzon. It shall be located at Camp
Lt. Tito Abat in Manaoag, Pangasinan. The construction of which shall be undertaken by the
Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

SEC. 4. Administration. — The administration of the Libingan ng mga Bayani in
Northern Luzon shall be vested upon the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).

SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount needed for the initial implementation of this
Act shall be taken from the current year’s appropriations of the Department of National
Defense. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its continued implementation shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Secretary of National Defense,
in coordination with PVAO and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines shall,
within sixty (60) days upon the approval of this Act, issue the necessary rules and regulations
for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. — If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain
in force and effect.


SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order,
letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9, Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,