Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Third Regular Session

House Bill No. 6242

Introduced by Magdalo Party-List Representatives
Hon. Gary C. Alejano and Hon. Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to transfer the commemoration of the Day of Valor or Araw ng Kagitingan from
April 9 to September 3.

Our history is replete with the celebration of military defeats and deaths, as exemplified by the
commemoration of the surrender of Filipino soldiers to the Japanese forces every April 9, Dr.
Jose Rizal's death every December 30, and the assassination of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy”
‘Aquino, Jr. every August 21. As such, it is high time for the Philippines to recognize our
country’s military victories.

The third day of September is the appropriate date to observe the Day of Valor due to two
coinciding events: the magnanimous victory of the Filipino forces during the 1896 Battle of Imus
and the unconditional surrender of Gen. Tomuyuki Yamashita in the Philippines in 1945.

On the third day of September 1896, the Battle of Imus was culminated. The Battle of Imus is
recognized as the first big battle of the Philippine Revolution which the Filipinos won. It
boosted the morale of the revolutionaries who were defeated in San Juan del Monte. It also
sparked many more citizens to join the fight for independence as revolutionaries.

The battle of Imus started in September 1 when Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, after suffering a defeat
in Bacoor, joined forces in Imus with Capitan Municipal Jose Tagle. The revolutionaries
besieged and captured the church of Imus. On the third day, Aguinaldo's forces annihilated a
large Spanish force under General Emesto Aguirre. They also captured a large amount of arms.

On the third day of September 1945, General Tomuyuki Yamashita, the so-called Tiger of
Malaya and commander of the Japanese forces in the Philippines, formally surrendered in Camp
John Hay, Baguio to the American forces. Yamashita’s surrender, which took place in Kiangan,
Ifugao, marked the beginning of the liberation of the Philippines after five years of Japanese rule.

This day, September 3, would present itself as an opportunity for the Filipino people to celebrate
our country’s military milestones as well as to reflect on the duties called upon them as citizens
of the Phitippines.

For these reasons, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

IN. GARY C. ALEJANO HON, ASHLEY L. ACEDILLO


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Third Regular Session

Hoiise Bill No. 6242

Introduced by Magdalo Party-List Representatives
Hon. Gary C. Alejano and Hon. Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo

AN ACT
TRANSFERRING THE DAY OF VALOR FROM APRIL 9 TO SEPTEMBER 3 OF
EVERY YEAR AND DECLARING IT AS A LEGAL HOLIDAY

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

Seetion I. To commemorate the first big victory of the Filipino revolutionary forces
during the Battle of Imus as well as the monumental surrender of General Tomuyuki Yamashita
which signaled the end of the Second World War, September 3 of every year is hereby declared
as the Day of Valor or Araw ng Kagitingan.

Section 2. All public officials and citizens of the Philippines are enjoined to observe such
day with a one-minute silence at 4:30 o'clock in the afternoon, and to hold appropriate rites in
honor of the sacrifices of all Filipino soldiers and martyrs.

Section 3. All laws, decrees, executive orders and other administrative issuances and
parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby amended,

repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 4. This Act shall take effect two (2) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette and at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,