Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 74

Introduced by Senator Huff

(Coauthor: Senator Nguyen)

(Coauthors: Assembly Members Chang and Kim)

June 9, 2015

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 74—Relative to Philippine Independence Day.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

SCR 74, as introduced, Huff. Philippine Independence Day.

This measure would recognize June 12, 2015, as the 117th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, and would encourage Californians to observe the month of June with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.

Fiscal committee: no.

WHEREAS, On June 12, 2015, the Filipino American
community will celebrate the 117th Anniversary of Philippine
Independence, and on this occasion it is appropriate to make special
recognition of California’s Filipino American citizens and thank
them for their countless contributions to our nation’s cultural,
economic, and political heritage; and

WHEREAS, The Philippine Declaration of Independence
occurred when Filipino revolutionary forces, under the leadership
of General Emilio Aguinaldo, publicly read the Act of Declaration
of Independence proclaiming the sovereignty and independence
of the Philippine Islands from the colonial rule of Spain, after
United States and Filipino revolutionary forces defeated Spain at
the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War; and

WHEREAS, For nearly two decades, July 4th was observed in
the Philippines as Independence Day until President Diosdado
Macapagal, upon the advice of historians and the urging of
nationalists, signed the Republic Act No. 4166 into law on August
4, 1964, designating the country’s Independence Day as June 12th,
a date that had previously been observed as Flag Day when many
government buildings displayed the Philippine flag in their offices;
and

WHEREAS, As the years went on, Filipino Americans became
very involved in the community and made numerous contributions
in all aspects of Filipino and American society and culture,
especially in California; and

WHEREAS, Filipino Americans have also played a major role
in California politics. In November 2014, 23 Filipino Americans
were elected to state or local offices, adding to the long list of
Filipino Americans who are currently serving in their elective or
appointive capacities and who have shaped the development of
California over the years; and

WHEREAS, Many Filipino Americans have served with
distinction as outstanding soldiers who fought as members of the
United States Armed Forces for over a century and have sacrificed
their lives in many wars, including World War II, the Vietnam
War, and current conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan;
and

WHEREAS, Today there are more than 3.4 million people of
Filipino American descent, many of whom have played vital roles
in the development of the United States and California and have
paved the way for many other Filipino Americans to continue to
strengthen the role of Filipino Americans in society and contribute
to American and California politics, economy, and culture; now,
therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That the Legislature, in honor of the multitude
of contributions that Filipino Americans have made to the United
States and California, recognizes June 12, 2015, as the 117th
Anniversary of Philippine Independence and encourages
Californians to observe the month of June with appropriate
ceremonies, programs, and activities; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.