HOUSE BILL SEEKS TO MAKE FEB. 25 A REGULAR HOLIDAY

LAWMAKERS on Tuesday filed a proposed measure seeking to declare February 25, which marks the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, a regular holiday.

Akbayan Reps Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Kiram Ismula with Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao filed House Bill (HB) 7911 declaring EDSA People Power Day a holiday.

The proponents of HB 7911 said the State “has the duty to preserve historical truth and honor the collective courage of the Filipino people.”

The bill provides for the necessary appropriations to support commemorative and educational activities, particularly through the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

At present, February 25 is only a special working holiday. 

ML Party List Rep. Leila de Lima, accompanied by Kiko Aquino Dee, the grandson of democracy icons Ninoy and Cory Aquino,  filed House Bill 8028, which is also co-authored by Liberal Party congressmen, Rep. Adrian Michael Amatong, Edgar Erice, Jaime Fresnedi and Alfonso Umali Jr..

De Lima said the measure seeks to memorialize the heroism, the sacrifices, and the suffering of the victims and the survivors of the martial law era.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will study proposals to declare Feb. 25 a non-working holiday in observance of the EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos would review the recommendations and consider their implications before making any decision.