August 1 important for Philippine independence – Legarda

Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the importance of August 1, 1898 as a momentous date in Philippine history as it was the day when over 200 municipal mayors established respective local government units by signing a revised Declaration of Independence.

Legarda, principal sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2690, clarified that the Act is not changing the date of Philippine independence but a mere addition of a step in the long path to being a full-fledged nation.

“The August 1 event did not invalidate the June 12 proclamation; instead, it complemented and strengthened it,” Legarda said during the period of interpellation on August 20.

“While June 12 is celebrated for its role in declaring independence, August 1 contributed to solidifying and formalizing the independence, including the establishment of local governments,” she added.

“The August 1 Acta supported efforts to gain international recognition and was essential in furthering the independence movement.”

August 1, which will be proposed as a special working holiday, will be formally known as the “Araw ng Paglalathala at Pagtatanyag ng Kasarinlan ng Pilipinas” once the bill is signed into law by the president.

The “Sublime Paralytic,” Apolinario Mabini, drafted the document, which did not include any line explicitly stating any reliance on foreign nations for Philippine independence.

In the original June 12, 1898 document, then-President Emilio Aguinaldo expressed reservations on the line, stating that the Philippines would be under the protection of the American government, as that line would be struck out in the August 1 copy.

“August 1 symbolizes the collective effort of the Filipino people in asserting their independence,” asserted Legarda.

“The Act of Independence signed on this day by local officials was a crucial step, ensuring that the declaration of independence was supported not only by military leaders but by the broader civil society, making it a significant milestone in the nation’s history,” she added.

Members of the Malolos Congress eventually ratified the document on September 29, 1898. (30)
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Binigyang-importansiya ni Senador Loren Legarda ang Agosto 1, 1898 bilang isang mahalagang araw sa kasaysayan ng bansa dahil ito ang araw na higit 200 punongbayan ang nagtatag ng kani-kaniyang pamahalaan sa pagpirma ng isinaayos na Declaration of Independence.

Nilinaw ni Legarda, principal sponsor ng Senate Bill No. 2690, na hindi layunin ng panukalang batas na ibahin ang petsa ng kasarinlan, ngunit dagdag na hakbang sa mahabang proseso ng kalayaan.

“The August 1 event did not invalidate the June 12 proclamation; instead, it complemented and strengthened it,” wika ni Legarda.

“While June 12 is celebrated for its role in declaring independence, August 1 contributed to solidifying and formalizing the independence, including the establishment of local governments,” dagdag niya.

“The August 1 Acta supported efforts to gain international recognition and was essential in furthering the independence movement.”

Ang Agosto 1, na balak na ideklarang special working holiday, ay pormal na tatawaging, “Araw ng Paglalathala at Pagtatanyag ng Kasarinlan ng Pilipinas” kapag ito ay napirmahan na bilang batas ng pangulo.

Si Apolinario Mabini, na naghain ng dokumento, ay hindi nagsama ng linya na nagsasabing umaasa ang Pilipinas sa ibang bansa para sa kalayaan.

Sa orihinal na deklarasyon noong Hunyo 12, 1898, umalma si dating Pangulong Emilio Aguinaldo sa linyang ang Pilipinas ay mapapasailalim sa pamahalaang Amerikano.

“August 1 symbolizes the collective effort of the Filipino people in asserting their independence,” giit ng senadora.

“The Act of Independence signed on this day by local officials was a crucial step, ensuring that the declaration of independence was supported not only by military leaders but by the broader civil society, making it a significant milestone in the nation’s history,” dagdag niya.

Ang Akta ay pinagtibay ng Malolos Congress noong Setyembre 29, 1898. (30)