HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

RECEIVED
pare! 4 JUL 2016
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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Diliman, Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session RreSRATON UNIT

House Bit No,__ 1602 SAN LINQEX SERVICE

Introduced By: HON. TEDDY BRAWNER BAGUILAT, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 2" day of September 1945 is a significant date in the history not only of ifugao but
also of the country. On this day Japanese Imperial Army General Tomoyuki Yamashita, the
Head of the Japanese 14" Army (the Army Division ordered to invade and occupy the
Philippines), and the highest Commander of the Japanese Imperial Army in the Philippines
surrendered to Filipino and American Forces in the Municipality of Kiangan, Province of Ifugao.
On that same date, the remaining Japanese Forces in the Philippines also formally surrendered
The Philippines was finally liberated .

Yet liberation came with a cost as history highlights that when the hearts and minds of
man move towards the road of war and aggression it results in immense pain and suffering. The
Second World War (WWII) has created an indelible mark on the World and on the country. It
has led to the deaths of more than 40 million people around the world. in that count one million
are Filipinos, which includes the people of Ifugao

These irrefutable facts of history should never be forgotten. For we always need to be
reminded that we should keep in our hearts and minds the precepts of peace and harmony

The framers of the 1987 Constitution have recognized this importance hence Article ||
Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution provides that "The Philippines renounces war as an
instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as
part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom
cooperation, and amity with all nations.”

Thus, as an expression of the 1987 Constitution and a requirement of patriotism, | am
submitting this bill as a Memorial to those who died during the war, to those people who
valiantly defended our country and to the innocent victims of war. This will be a memorial that
will allow people to ponder on the evils of war and the graces of peace especially in the province
of Ifugao where it all ended.

For all the foregoing reasons, it is most respectfully urged that this bill be approved,

TEDDY BRAWNER BAGUILAT JR.
Represeplative, Lone District of ifugao


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Diliman, Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session,

602

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced By. HON. TEDDY BRAWNER BAGUILAT, JR.

AN ACT DECLARING SEPTEMBER 2 OF EVERY YEAR A
SPECIAL _NON-WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE PROVINCE OF
IFUGAO TO COMMEMORATE THE “PHILIPPINE NATIONAL
VICTORY AND LIBERATION DAY”

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

Section 1. September 2 of every year is hereby declared a special nonworking holiday
in the Province of Ifugao to celebrate the "Philippine National Victory and Liberation Day".

Section 2. The Provincial Government of Ifugao, in coordination with the Municipal

Government of Kiangan, the National Historical Institute (NHI), the Philippine Veterans Affairs
Office (PVAO) and the Military Shrines Services (MSI) shall lead appropriate and meaningful
commemorative programs and activities to be participated in by officials and employe’es of the
national, provincial and municipal government agencies and instrumentalities, and civic,
religious, nongovernment, business and civil society organizations, in order to give significance
and honor the heroes and heroines who contributed to the Philippine's National Victory and

Liberation.

Section 3, This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in at
least two newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,