Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatines
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3483

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative EDGAR R. ERICE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It seems supremely ironic that as of this date, the two greatest Filipinos who
ever lived are, technically and legally speaking, not our national heroes. Whether
due to deliberate government inaction or due to plain bureaucratic negligence, the
fact remains that at present, there is yet no statute or executive issuance proclaiming
Dr. Jose Rizal and Gat Andres Bonifacio, or any Filipino historical figure for that
matter, as national heroes of this country. The instant bill seeks to correct this legal
‘oversight by pushing for the official declaration of Rizal and Bonifacio as national
heroes of the Republic of the Philippines.

The contributions of Rizal and Bonifacio to the social transformations that
eventually resulted in our country gaining the freedom it has been dreaming, striving
and fighting for, are universally recognized. In fact, several laws were passed, the
earliest of which was in 1898, honoring and commemorating their lives and
contributions, such as:

a) Decree of December 20, 1898 which declared December 30 of every year
a day of national mourning in honor of Rizal and other victims of the
Philippine Revolution;

b)

Act No. 137 which organized the politico-military district of Morong into the
Province of Rizal to honor Rizal

c) Act No. 2946 enacted in 1921 to commemorate the birth of Bonifacio; and

d)

Act No. 2760 enacted in 1918 which confirmed and ratified all steps taken
for the creation, maintenance, improvement of national monuments and
particularly for the erection of a national monument in memory of
Bonifacio.

The aforecited enactments impliedly granted Rizal and Bonifacio the status


of national heroes; hence, it is only proper and logical for the present Congress to
promulgate a law officially bestowing such status upon the two beloved fathers of our
nation. This is the least we could do to repay them, as well as their families, for the
ultimate sacrifice that they both performed so that the Filipino nation can be free.
This will also guarantee that the cost of the freedom currently being enjoyed by the
Filipino people, and which will continue to be enjoyed by the future generations, shall
forever be instilled in our minds and hearts.

In view of the foregoing premises, support for the immediate passage of this
bill is being earnestly solicited.

EDGAR R. ERICE
Representative
2" District Caloocan City



Republic of the Philippines
Aouse of Representatives
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. __ 3483

Introduced by Representative EDGAR R. ERICE

AN ACT
OFFICIALLY DECLARING
DR. JOSE P. RIZAL AND ANDRES C. BONIFACIO
AS NATIONAL HEROES OF THE PHILIPPINES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. The two universally-revered Filipinos, Dr. Jose P, Rizal and
Andres C. Bonifacio are hereby officially declared as national heroes of the Republic
of the Philippines.

SECTION 2. All government offices and agencies are hereby required to
prominently display within their premises the statues, reliefs, paintings or other
objects depicting the images of Dr. Jose P. Rizal and Andres C. Bonifacio.

SECTION 8. All local government units are hereby mandated to dedicate and
name at least one (1) public street, avenue or thoroughfare within their respective
territorial jurisdictions after Dr. Jose P. Rizal and Andres C. Bonifacio.

SECTION 4. The National Commission for Culture and Arts is hereby
designated as the primary agency to oversee the implementation of this Act, the
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Approved,