Palace denies request for a special holiday

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — Malacañang has denied the request of Bacolod City to declare Monday, June 18 a special non-working holiday, as the city celebrates its Charter Day for the first time on a new date.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia, however, said that despite the adverse action of Malacañang, the schedule of activities for the Charter Day celebration will go on as earlier planned, with Vice President Jejomar Binay as guest of honor and speaker.

The weeklong Charter Anniversary celebration was declared open by Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson during the Independence Day program last June 12 at the BAYS Center.

Councilor Caesar Distrito, author of the Charter Anniversary ordinance and resolution, say they are hoping that June 18 will be declared a holiday because it will not only give the people respite, but also the chance to join the celebration.”

For the past 73 years, Bacolod used to celebrate its Charter Day every October 19. But Leonardia changed the date of the celebration this year, saying that based on documents, the City Charter was signed by former President Manuel L. Quezon on June 18, 1938.

In a faxed message sent to the City Council Wednesday night, deputy executive secretary for legal affairs Michael Aguinaldo informed the City Council: “Upon a careful study of the pertinent laws on the matter, this office is inclined to deny your request.”

The Palace letter further reads: “Although the Charter creating Bacolod City was signed on 18 June, 1938, it should be noted that Republic Act No. 7724 clearly states that the celebration of the Charter Anniversary of Bacolod City must be every October 19.”

“RA. 7724 is unambiguous. The celebration of the Charter of Bacolod City should be on October 19. A contrary proclamation by this office may be misconstrued as a violation of the legal precept that laws can only be amended or modified by another law,” it says.

“In the same manner, although the administrative code has unequivocally vested the President of the Philippines with lawmaking powers in the issuance of executive orders, administrative orders, proclamations, memorandum orders, general or special orders, these issuances must always adhere within the confines of the law,” it concluded.