Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 9642

Introduced by BAYAN MUNA Party-list Rep. CARLOS ISAGANI T. ZARATE

AN ACT TO DECLARE APRIL 27 OF EVERY YEAR AS A
SPECIAL NON-WORKING HOLIDAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY TO
COMMEMORATE THE VICTORY OF LAPU-LAPU AND HIS MEN OVER
THE SPANIARDS LED BY FERNANDO MAGALLANES IN THE
HISTORIC BATTLE OF MACTAN ONAPRIL 27, 1521, TO BE KNOWN AS
LAPU LAPU DAY OR ADLAW NI LAPU-LAPU

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The formal recognition of Lapu-lapu, who led his people in the fight against colonialism is
long overdue. Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s avowed declaration of pursuing an independent
foreign policy will also be given added impetus with the recognition of our national heroes,
including Lapu-lapu, who stood up against foreign intervention and invasion. In particular,
Lapu-lapu is also the Philippine's first successful defender of our shores.

Regardless of the controversies surrounding him, what is unquestionable is that Lapu-lapu is
a shining example of patriotism, standing up to defend his people’s territory and fighting
subjugation.

‘The recognition of Lapu-lapu’s heroism is also very timely now that the economic and
political competition between US and China is escalating the militarization of the West
Philippine Sea. The militarist actions of these two (2) countries should be countered by,
among others, instilling the sense of patriotism among our people, particularly the youth. The
youth need the likes of Lapu-lapu and Andres Bonifacio (o emulate as well.

Patriotism should be a clarion call now, especially in the so-called age of globalization where
powerful countries overtly and covertly dictate the political, economic, military and cultural
policies of developing countries like the Philippines. It is high time that the Filipino people,
just like Lapu-lapu, should stand up against these modern Fernando Magallanes, defend our
territories, our national patrimony, our national sovereignty.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILL No.D642

INTRODUCED BY
BAYAN MUNA PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVE CARLOS ISAGANI ZARATE

AN ACT TO DECLARE APRIL 27 OF EVERY YEAR AS A
SPECIAL NON-WORKING HOLIDAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY TO
COMMEMORATE THE VICTORY OF LAPU-LAPU AND HIS MEN OVER
‘THE SPANIARDS LED BY FERNANDO MAGALLANES IN THE
HISTORIC BATTLE OF MACTAN ONAPRIL 27, 1521, TO BE KNOWN AS
LAPU LAPU DAY OR ADLAW NI LAPU-LAPU

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

SECTION 1. The twenty-seventh day of April of every year is hereby declared as a Special
‘Non-Working Holiday throughout the country to commemorate the victory of Lapu-lapu and
his men over the Spaniards in the historic battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521 to be known as
Lapu-lapu Day or Adlaw ni Lapu-lapu.

SECTION 2. To ensure a meaningful observance of the holiday as herein declared, all heads
of government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled
corporations, as well as local government units, and, employers in the private sector, schools
and universities shall encourage and afford sufficient time for their employees and students to
participate in any activity conducted in their respective localities or offices for the celebration
of Lapu-lapu Day or Adlaw ni Lapu-lapu.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in at least
two (2) national newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.
Adopted,

CARLOSISAG. T. ZARATE

Bayan Muna Party-list