MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
[ Proclamation No. 229, January 22, 2000 ]
DECLARING FEBRUARY 19, 2000 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS CHIEF JUSTICE JOSE ABAD SANTOS DAY
WHEREAS, the admirable practice of searching for, identifying and honoring Philippine heroes received a much-needed boost during the Centennial of Philippine Independence in 1998;
WHEREAS, such a practice must be continued and sustained to provide our people, particularly the youth, with the needed ideals, models and inspirations as we pursue our national destiny during our second century in the upcoming of the 21st Century and 3rd Millennium;
WHEREAS, one Philippine hero worthy of emulation and commemoration is the late CHIEF JUSTICE JOSE ABAD SANTOS who, during the World War II, chose to remain loyal and steadfast to the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines and the Filipino people rather than swear allegiance to the Japanese invaders of our country who wanted to use his prestige and leadership to advance their conquest and occupation;
WHEREAS, as officially designated head of the Philippine Government by the late former President Manuel L. Quezon, Chief Justice Abad Santos remained steadfast in his refusal to betray our country and people in the face of extreme pressure and intimidation, the Japanese made him suffer the ultimate fate of heroes and martyrs by executing him in Malabang, Lanao;
WHEREAS, the patriotism, statesmanship and heroism of Chief Justice Abad Santos must be properly commemorated and remembered to serve as an eternal beacon light to guide and inspire us in the proper fulfillment of our love and obligations to our country and people;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare February 19, 2000 and every year thereafter as CHIEF JUSTICE JOSE ABAD SANTOS DAY to enable our country and people to properly pay tribute to his patriotism and heroism and be inspired and guided by his shining example of sacrifice and nobility.1aшphi1
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.
Done in the City of Manila, this 22nd day of January, in the year of Our Lord, two thousand.
(Sgd.) JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA
By the President:
RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary
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