Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Te:
By:

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 3431

Introduced by BAYAN MUNA
Reps. Neri J. Colmenares and Carlos Isagani T. Zarate

AN ACT
DECLARING ANDRES BONIFACIO AS A NATIONAL HERO.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In a time when the nation is challenged by foreign intervention, whether by force or by deceit,
the need for a national symbol that would represent patriotism, nationalism and the resolve to
fight against any foreign intervention and control becomes a vital element in nation-building,

been a legislation declaring a national hero. Instead there was only a
that gave recognition and honor to a few historical figures for their
‘The most famous of whom are Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio

However, there has n
number of proclamation
contribution to societ

A Decree issued by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on December 20, 1898, declared December 30 of
every year a day of national mourning in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal and other victims of the
Philippine Revolution. ‘The Taft Commission, the legislative body created by the American
government, named a Province after Rizal to honor him.

Meanwhile, it was the Philippine Legislature through Act No. 2964 issued on February 16, 1921
that made November 30 of each year a legal holiday to commemorate the birth of Andres
Bonifacio. The Philippine Legislature also issued Act No. 2760 in 1918 authorizing the erection
of a monument to the memory of Bonifacio.

In 1993, a National Heroes Committee was created through Executive Ordet No. 75 to “study,
evaluate and recommend Filipino national personages/heroes in due recognition of theit sterling
character and remarkable achievements for the country.” Soon, after a series of meetings, the
Committee has come up with a list of candidates to become the National Hero. But since 1995,
when the Committee Report was submitted to the Department of Education, Culture and
Sports, there has been no action yet. Some opinions say that deciding on a name might spur
debates as to some historical controversies about the lives of our heroes.


It has long been a debate in schools and other venues of learning, and even among ordinary
Filipinos, who between Rizal and Bonifacio must the title National Hero attach. A lot has also
been said in favor or against both heroes. It is also a fact that both are heroes in their own
respective right.

Itis true that Jose Rizal through his writings was able to put across the need for changes in the
country that was dominated by Spanish colonial power. His writings influenced intellectuals who
actively participated in the fight for reforms in society,

Andres Bonifacio, on the other hand, was an intellectual impassioned by the need to change the
oppressive and exploitative system not merely by writing about it but also by acting on it. Thus
he organized the Katipunero’s KKK.

‘The difference, in so far as contribution to society is concerned, lies in the ability of Bonifacio to
translate Rizal’s writings into a language understandable to the Filipino masses and to transform
and develop them into practice. Because of his actual participation in the KKK, Bonifacio was
able to organize and mobilize thousands of Katipuneros in a revolution that ended the regime of
Spanish Colonization and led towards a Filipino nation’s independence.

Bonifacio’s heroism inspires in us the patriotism and nationalism that is resolute and
uncompromising which the people and especially the youth must learn and imbibe

In view of the foregoing, and in commemoration of the 150 birth anniversary of Andres
Bonifacio on November 30, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought

Approved,

Khe Esk sch Tana

‘Rep. Gi
Borah Mana Pary-lit Bayan Muna Party-lst


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3431

HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by BAYAN MUNA
Reps. Neti J. Colmenares and Carlos Isagani T. Zarate

AN ACT
DECLARING ANDRES BONIFACIO AS THE NATIONAL HERO
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1, Short Title. —Vhis act shall be known as the “Andres Bonifacio Act of 2013.”

SECTION 2. Andres Bonifacio is hereby declared as the National Hero.

SECTION 3. ‘The National Commission For Culture and the Arts shall craft and e
pertinent policies under its mandate for the effective implementation of this Act. The
Department of F s

necessary policies to tion on the life and heroism of Bonifacio be integrated in
elementary, secondary and tertiary curriculum, history books be updated, and other pertinent
information be

eminated, as we

ys, in coordination with the

SECTION 4, ‘The Department of Public Works and High
cio bust in every Provincial City

respective Local Government Units, shall erect an Andres Boni
or Municipal plaza nationwide.

SECTION 5. Appropriations, — Considering that this Act, even if it is of national significance,
does not require substantial or new appropriation. The amount necessary for the implementation
shall be sourced from the regular budgets of the Department and LGUs concerned during the
first year from the effectivity of this Act:

SECTION 4.Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive and administrative orders or parts
thereof, inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed ot modified accordingly.

SECTION 4. Effectivity.- This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general

circulation.

Approved,