Core declaration: September 3 as holiday
- Section 1 declares September 3 of every year a special working public holiday.
- Section 1 requires observance throughout the country.
- Section 1 fixes the commemorative purpose: the surrender of the Japanese military forces led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita.
- Section 1 identifies the historical setting: at the American High Commissioner’s Residence in Camp John Hay, Baguio City.
Coverage and commemorative coverage
- Section 1 covers the entire Philippines for September 3 each year.
- Section 1 covers the commemoration of the specific surrender event involving General Tomoyuki Yamashita’s forces.
- Section 1 ties the public holiday to the surrender event at Camp John Hay, Baguio City.
Effectivity and publication rule
- Republic Act No. 11216 takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication.
- Section 2 provides that publication must be made in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
- The effectivity is counted from the date of the required publication under Section 2.
Legislative history and amendments
- Republic Act No. 11216 originated in the House of Representatives and was passed by the House on May 29, 2017.
- Republic Act No. 11216 was amended by the Senate on November 26, 2018.
- The House of Representatives concurred in the Senate amendments on December 4, 2018.
- The Act was approved on February 14, 2019.