Explanation of Vote of Senator Loren Legarda on Senate Bill no. 2960 or the Bacoor Assembly of 1898 Act

EXPLANATION OF VOTE OF SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
Senate Bill No. 2690
The Bacoor Assembly of 1898 Act
Senate of the Philippines
August 27, 2024
Senate of the Philippines

Mr. President, dear colleagues,

As the co-author and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2690, I am deeply committed to the passage of this important legislation, which seeks to designate August 1 as “Araw ng Paglalathala at Pagtatanyag ng Kasarinlan ng Pilipinas.”

The significance of August 1, 1898, 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. This event represented a broad-based affirmation of our independence and democratic ideals, as articulated by Apolinario Mabini.

By commemorating this date, we honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our independence and celebrate the enduring legacy of freedom and solidarity. 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.

This bill aims to deepen our historical understanding and inspire all Filipinos to cherish and uphold these values, ensuring that the legacy of August 1 remains integral to our national identity for future generations.

Maraming salamat at isang luntiang Pilipinas sa ating lahat!