QuestionsQuestions (IRR Republic Act No. 11470)
It declares June 12 as Philippine Independence Day and sets the purpose that the event be observed throughout the country with fitting ceremonies to be cherished and to inspire dedication for the welfare of the country.
The establishment of the Philippine Republic by the Revolutionary Government under General Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898, as the people’s declaration and exercise of their right to self-determination, liberty, and independence.
It describes independence as the natural and inalienable claim of the Filipino people—an inherent right not dependent on the will or discretion of another.
June 12, 1962 (Tuesday) is declared a special public holiday throughout the Philippines.
Issued on May 12, 1962; it declares Tuesday, June 12, 1962 as the special public holiday.
The President acted by virtue of authority vested in him by Section 30 of the Revised Administrative Code.
It urges them to make arrangements in their respective localities for the appropriate celebration of the occasion as Philippine Independence Day.
The “whereas” clauses provide factual and legal justification for the declaration—linking the holiday to the independence event and explaining its importance and rationale.
It explicitly addresses both national and local officials (national, provincial, city, and municipal) to arrange fitting celebrations in their localities.
The “transcendental importance” of the event requires observation throughout the land with fitting ceremonies so it will be cherished and inspire dedication and endeavor for the country’s welfare and humankind’s well-being.
It was signed by Diosdado Macapagal, President of the Philippines, and countersigned by Amelito R. Mutuc, Executive Secretary.
It states that the ceremonies and commemoration should be cherished in the hearts of Filipinos and inspire posterity to greater dedication and endeavor.
The right emphasized is self-determination, along with liberty and independence—framed as an inherent, natural, and inalienable right.
It is declared a special public holiday “throughout the Philippines.”
It removes ambiguity by clearly identifying the exact date being declared as a special public holiday for that year.
It frames independence as a sovereign right grounded in the people’s inherent capacity for self-government, not granted or controlled by another state or authority.
It is an executive proclamation using delegated statutory authority to declare a specific date as a special public holiday and direct government units to observe it appropriately.