Why the Charter Day changed to June 18?

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — It took Bacolod more than 70 years to correct the proper date when to celebrate its Charter Day, which in the past was held every October 19.

For the first time since it became a city, Bacolod celebrated its Charter Day last June 18.

Why? Mayor Evelio Leonardia, citing researches, explained that the City of Bacolod was created on June 18, 1938 through Commonwealth Act No. 326, and October 19, 1938 was the date when it was inaugurated.

“I believe this is another historical justification for us to go for the June 18 celebration of our Charter Day,” Leonardia said.

The change of date however was criticized by some quarters, arguing that there is an existing Republic Act No. 7724, or an Act declaring October 19 of every year a special non-working holiday in Bacolod to be known as “Bacolod City Charter Day.”

Until last year, October 19 had been traditionally celebrated as Charter Day to culminate the world-famous MassKara Festival, held from October 1 to 19.

Noted Negrense historian Modesto Sa-onoy said Bacolod City was created by Commonwealth Act 326 authored by then Rep. Pedro Hernaez (2nd dist., Negros Occidental), and co-authored by 1st District Rep. Enrique Magalona (1st dist.), and Speaker Gil Montilla, representative of the 3rd District.

He said Commonwealth President Manuel Luis M. Quezon signed the Charter of Bacolod City on June 18, 1938. With that approval on June 18, 1938 of the CA 326, the Municipality of Bacolod was converted into a city, he added.

Sa-onoy said Section 54, the Transitory Provision of CA 326, states that “this Act shall take effect upon its approval.”

Alfredo Montelibano was appointed City Mayor after Mayor Fernando Cuadra ceased to be municipal mayor on Oct. 5, 1938, and that the inauguration, swearing in and installation of the new officials took place on October 19, said Sa-onoy.

Sa-onoy said Republic Act 7724 passed on May 19, 1994 that declared the Charter Day of Bacolod a non-working holiday is premised on the assumption that October 19 was the Bacolod Charter Day.

This ignorance can easily be seen in that R.A. 7724 did not have any repealing clause to disregard or set aside a historical fact that the Bacolod Charter came into being on June 18, 1938, he said.

“Now we have the opportunity to correct this error and it might do well for the present administration to work with Congress to repeal R.A. 7724,” Sa-onoy said.

The City Council of Bacolod, through a resolution on June 15, and Leonardia, through Executive Order 15-A, had already taken steps to correct the error of 71 years since 1939, he said. “We must complete the rectification so that those who deserve the honors are finally recognized,” Sa-onoy added.

Meanwhile, the 73rd Charter Day was celebrated with simple rites that included the unveiling of the marker of Commonwealth Act 326 and awarding of prominent athletes of Bacolod at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby Saturday. — THE FREEMAN