Relocation of 3 historical landmarks in San Juan slammed

MANILA, Philippines — The relocation of three monuments honoring Katipunan founder Andres Bonifacio, revolutionary general Emilio Jacinto and national hero  Dr. Jose Rizal in San Juan City is sending the public, particularly students, the wrong message on how Filipinos should remember the country’s heroes, Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito said yesterday.

At a press conference, Ejercito asked Mayor Francis Zamora not to inject politics into the issue of national monuments.

Ejercito, a former San Juan mayor, and Zamora are political opponents.

It was Ejercito who put up the monuments and developed other historical sites in the city.

He expressed dismay over the relocation of these landmarks from Pinaglabanan street and Plaza Mayor to obscure areas within the Pinaglabanan Shrine complex in the city.

“This is a national issue due to San Juan City’s significant role in the 1898 Philippine Revolution,” Ejercito said. “This pertains to our national heroes, our source of pride and patriotism. We have to preserve our historic sites and give importance to history.”

The three monuments were made by renowned sculptor Eduardo Castrillo.

Ejercito said these statues were placed in their original locations “to be seen and appreciated by the public” and build awareness on the crucial role that the Katipunan played in the country’s struggle for independence.

Ejercito said he would raise the matter with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, adding he would file a resolution seeking a Senate probe on the relocation of these historical landmarks.