Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo. 2171

Introduced by
BAYAN MUNA Party-List Representatives CARLOS ISAGANI T. ZARATE,
FERDINAND R. GAITE and EUFEMIA C. CULLAMAT

AN ACT
DECLARING ANDRES BONIFACIO AS THE NATIONAL HERO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

With the recent nationalist films like “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo” and “Heneral Luna”
enjoying numerous awards and millions of viewers, patriotism has been rekindled in the hearts of
our people. We must seize this opportunity to further educate the youth on our true history and
heritage, especially now that there are conscious efforts from some quarters to rewrite our
history and present their revisionist versions to promote their self-serving interests.

Ina time when the nation is challenged by forcign intervention, whether by force or by deceit,
whether it be by the US or China, the need for a national symbol that would represent
patriotism, nationalism and the resolve to fight against any foreign intervention and control
becomes a vital element in nation-building,

However, there has never been a legislation declaring one a national hero. Instead there were
only a number of proclamations that gave cecognition and honor to a few historical figures for
their contribution to society. The most famous of whom are Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio.

A Decree issued by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on December 20, 1898, declared December 30 of
every year a day of national mourning in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal and other victims of the
Philippine Revolution. ‘The Taft Commission, the legislative body created by the American
government, named a Province after Rizal to also honor him.

Meanwhile, it was the Philippine Legislature through Act No. 2964 issued on February 16, 1921
that made November 30 of each year a legal holiday to commemorate the birth of Andres
Bonifacio. The Philippine Legislature also issued Act No. 2760 in 1918 authorizing the erection
of amonument to the memory of Bonifacio.


In 1993, a National Heroes Committee was created through Executive Order No. 75 to “study,
evaluate and recommend Filipino national personages/heroes in due recognition of their sterling
character and remarkable achievements for the country.”

Soon, after a series of meetings, the Committee has come up with a list of candidates to become
the National Hero. But since 1995, when the Committee Report was submitted to the then
Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), there has been no action yet. Some
opinions say that deciding on a name might spur debates as to some historical controversies
about the lives of our heroes.

It has long been a debate in schools and other venues of learning, and even among ordinary
Filipinos, who between Rizal and Bonifacio must the title National Hero attach. A lot has also
been said in favor o against both heroes. It is also a fact that both are heroes in their own
respective right.

Itis true that Jose Rizal through his writings was able to put across the need for changes in the
country that was dominated by Spanish colonial power. His writings influenced intellectuals who
actively participated in the fight for reforms in society.

Andres Bonifacio, on the other hand, was an intellectual impassioned by the need to change the
oppressive and exploitative system not merely by writing about it but also by acting on it. Thus
he organized the Katipunero’s KKK.

‘The difference, in so far as contribution to society is concemed, lies in the ability of Bonifacio to
translate Rizal’s writings into a language understandable to the Filipino masses and to transform
and develop them into practice. Because of his actual participation in the KKK, Bonifacio was
able to organize and mobilize thousands of Katipuneros in a revolution that ended the regime of
Spanish Colonization and led towards a Filipino nation’s independence.

Bonifacio’s heroism inspires in us the patriotism and nationalism that is resolute and
uncompromising which the people and especially the youth must learn and imbibe.

Tn view of the foregoing, and in the 156" birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio on November
30, 2019, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

nop Iason can

Bayan Muna Party-ks

Approved,

oma

Rep. FERDINAND R. GAITE Rep. EUFEMYA C. CULLAMAT
Bayan Muna Party-list Bayant Muna Party-list


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 2171

Introduced by
BAYAN MUNA Party-List Representatives CARLOS ISAGANI T. ZARATE,
FERDINAND R. GAITE and EUFEMIA C. CULLAMAT

AN ACT
DECLARING ANDRES BONIFACIO AS THE NATIONAL HERO

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philipines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title, —This act shall be known as the “Andres Bonifacio Act of 2019.”
SECTION 2. Andres Bonifacio is hereby declared as the National Hero.

SECTION 3. The National Commission For Culture and the Arts shall craft and execute
pertinent policies under its mandate for the effective implementation of this Act. The Department
of Education and the Commission on Higher Education shall likewise make the necessary policies
to ensure that education on the life and heroism of Bonifacio be integrated in elementary,
secondary and tertiary curriculum, history books be updated, and other pertinent information be
disseminated, as well.

SECTION 4. The Department of Public Works and Highways, in coordination with the
respective Local Government Units, shall erect an Andres Bonifacio bust in every Provincial City
or Municipal plaza nationwide.

SECTION 5. Appropriations. — Considering that this Act, even if it is of national significance,
does not require substantial or new appropriation. The amount necessary for the implementation
shall be sourced from the regular budgets of the Department and LGUs concerned during the first
year from the effectivity of this Act.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause.— All laws, executive and administrative orders or parts thereof,
inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general

circulation,

Approved,