The Philippine Senate passed on third reading a bill filed by Senator Loren Legarda that aims to set every August 1 of the year as the “Araw ng Paglalathala at Pagtatanyag ng Kasarinlan ng Pilipinas.”
Legarda, the principal sponsor and co-author of Senate Bill No. 2690, said that August 1, 1898’s significance extends far beyond a simple historical date.
“On this day, the Bacoor Assembly marked a pivotal moment in our history, with the Acta de Independencia being signed by President Emilio Aguinaldo and approximately two hundred elected municipal leaders from sixteen liberated provinces,” said Legarda.
“This event represented a broad-based affirmation of our independence and democratic ideals, as articulated by Apolinario Mabini,” she added.
In previous pronouncements, Legarda had already explained the date’s significance, highlighting its complementary relationship with our Independence Day on June 12, 1898.
During the August 1 assembly, over 200 municipal leaders signed the Declaration of Independence drafted by Apolinario Mabini himself. The signing meant that the Declaration of Independence was not only a military exercise but also a civilian event.
Moreover, the reference to dependence on foreign influence, which raised concerns for then-President Emilio Aguinaldo in the original June 12 document, was notably absent in the August 1 document.
“By commemorating this date, we honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our independence and celebrate the enduring legacy of freedom and solidarity,” asserted the veteran lawmaker.
“Ang pagpaparangal sa Agosto Uno ay pagpaparangal sa kahalagahan ng ating kasaysayan. Ang Agosto Uno ay magsisilbing inspirasyon sa lahat ng Pilipino na patuloy ipaglaban at tunay na mahalin ang ating bansa,” she concluded.
Legarda, nagpasalamat sa pagpasa ng Senado sa Agosto Uno bill
Ipinasa ng Senado sa ikatlong pagbasa ang panukalang batas na inihain ni Senador Loren Legarda na nagdedeklara sa Agosto 1 ng bawat taon bilang “Araw ng Paglalathala at Pagtatanyag ng Kasarinlan ng Pilipinas.”
Ayon kay Legarda, principal sponsor at co-author ng Senate Bill No. 2690, mahalaga ang Agosto 1, 1898 sa kasaysayan ng bansa.
“On this day, the Bacoor Assembly marked a pivotal moment in our history, with the Acta de Independencia being signed by President Emilio Aguinaldo and approximately two hundred elected municipal leaders from sixteen liberated provinces,” sabi ni Legarda.
“This event represented a broad-based affirmation of our independence and democratic ideals, as articulated by Apolinario Mabini,” dagdag niya.
Higit sa 200 mga punongbayan ang pumirma sa deklarasyon noong Agosto 1 sa Deklarasyon ng Kalayaan na mismong inihanay ni Apolinario Mabini. Ang pagpirma ng mga alkalde ay sumisimbolo sa pagsang-ayon ng taumbayan sa nasabing pangyayari.
Ayon pa kay Legarda, ang linyang nagsasabi ng pagtangkilik sa impluwensiyang banyaga ay wala sa deklarasyon ng Agosto 1 dahil sa hindi pagsang-ayon dito ni dating Pangulong Emilio Aguinaldo.
“By commemorating this date, we honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our independence and celebrate the enduring legacy of freedom and solidarity,” giit ni Legarda.
“Ang pagpaparangal sa Agosto Uno ay pagpaparangal sa kahalagahan ng ating kasaysayan. Ang Agosto Uno ay magsisilbing inspirasyon sa lahat ng Pilipino na patuloy ipaglaban at tunay na mahalin ang ating bansa,” pagtatapos ng senadora. (30)
