OTHER LAWS ABOUT RIZAL

Rizal Day

Mangubat gave three reasons explaining why Rizal's death served as a turning point to the nationalistic hopes of the countrymen: First is that it served as a signal to the Katipunan to raise up arms against the Spaniards and begin the revolution. It is important to note that it was not formed after the death of Rizal, rather, the event at Bagumbayan on December 30 crystallized the motives of the organization. Second, his execution also served as a realization to the elite that they weren't an exemption to the despotism of the Spanish rule. Many other sectors joined in the Katipunan as the revolutionary and nationalistic mind began to settle on them. Lastly, because the event happened at the turn of the century, it was also significantly considered as a "New Beginning" for the country.

Emilio Aguinaldo gave the first decree to declare December 30 as "national day of mourning" and as anniversary of Jose Rizal's death. To observe this, he ordered that all flags must be hoisted at half-mast on December 29 and on the following day, there would be no government offices. The first ever monument of Rizal erected was on Daet, Camarines Norte and its unveiling is simultaneous to the first observance of Rizal Day on December 30, 1898 by the Club Filipino. February 1, 1902, the Philippine Commission ordained Act no. 345 which issues December 30 as Rizal Day and as national holiday observed each year.

According to Ambeth Ocampo, oftentimes, heroes are remembered more on their deaths than their births. However, Mangubat mentions that the death of Rizal would not have that been more meaningful were it not for birth and life spent for the betterment of our country. There are many moves that wish to change the date of Rizal Day to June 19 because it has a more positive sense and that it is close to June 12 and May 28 which are the Philippine Independence Day and the National Flag Day, respectively. On the other hand, December 30 is nearer to the much more celebrated holidays of Christmas and New Year which often overshadow the hero's celebration. For me personally, although his birth date is a much more joyous celebration, his death can be a better perspective to look at the entirety of Rizal's life and why he was willing to die for the sake of his love for the country.