Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 1934

Introduced by REP. AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO, Ph. D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

General Douglas McArthur, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers
during the last great war, once said: “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.”

In this era of missiles and magatons, of computers and nuclear clouds, there
remains no substitute for fighting man. Soldiers, in times of national crises, when the
very life of the nation is at stake, who, like Horatio at the gates defending his beloved
Athens, offer the supreme sacrifice — their lives — in defense of national honor and
dignity.

It is strange, however, that until today one cannot find a fitting monument in
Metro Manila that would serve as a lasting memorial to these courageous men who
fought to keep our homes safe, our cities and countryside secure, and our nation free
from those who wish it ill. True enough, there is the veteran's shrine in Bataan, but how
many of young people, especially in Metro Manila have visited it. There is also a tomb of
the Unknown Soldier, but this is located inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani at the Fort
Bonifacio.

This bill seeks to construct a Soldier's Memorial Monument right in Manila — at
the Rizal Park — which would be an enduring tribute to the fighting men of the past. A
memorial similar to the Iwo Jima monument or the Vietnam Memorial in Washington
D.C., the Arch de Triumphe in Paris, or even in Bucharest, and the military statutes in
London. We need a memorial that would be visited and revered by all, especially by the
present and future generations.

Under this bill, the National Historical Institute shall exercise supervision and
control over the construction of the aforesaid monument, which shall be built by means
of a contest wherein a design captures the feeling of our firefighting men off to the
battlefield or their gallantry or heroism.

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

——

we’
AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO, Ph. D.
2" District, Province of lloilo



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No._ 4.4.34.

Introduced by REP. AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO, Ph. D.

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SOLDIER'S MEMORIAL
MONUMENT IN THE RIZAL PARK, AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to pay tribute to the
gallant fighting men of the Philippines glorious history in recognition of their dedication
and commitment to defend the Constitution and to serve the nation and the people in
times of peace and war. Toward this end, there shall be constructed at Rizal Park a
Soldier's Memorial Monument, an enduring tribute to the fighting men of the past that
would perpetuate their memory for the inspiration and emulation of this generation and
of generation still unborn

SEC. 2. The National Historical Institute (NHI) shall exercise supervision and
control over the construction of the aforesaid monument which shall be built by means
of a contest wherein a design captures the feeling of the fighting men off to the
battlefield or their gallantry and heroism

SEC. 3. The National Historical Institute (NHI) shall promulgate the necessary
rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 4. The sum of Fifty Million Pesos (P50,000,000.00) is hereby authorized to
be appropriated out of any funds in the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated, t
carry out the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in at
least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved