ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 28, 2012) – Do you know that cock fighting and horse racing, including jai-alai (Basque pelota) are all prohibited in the Philippines during the commemoration of the Rizal Day? Well, Republic Act Number 229 signed in June 9, 1948 strictly prohibits all of those.
Rizal Day is a national day of mourning in the Philippines and Filipinos commemorate the death of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, who was executed by musketry in 1896 in Bagumbayan Field, now the Luneta Park in Manila, for rebelling against Spain.
Under the Republic Act Number 229, it shall be the official duty of the mayor of each municipality and chartered city to create a committee to take charge of the proper observance of Rizal Day Celebration of each year, in which he shall be the chairman, which shall be empowered to seek the assistance and cooperation of any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the Government, and the local civic and educational institutions. Among the ceremonies on Rizal Day shall be the raising of the Philippine flag at half mast in all vessels and public buildings.
And any person who shall violate the provisions of Republic Act Number 229 or permit or allow the violation thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not exceeding P200 or by imprisonment not exceeding 6 months, or both, at the discretion of the court. In case he is the mayor of a municipality or a chartered city, he shall suffer an additional punishment of suspension from his office for a period of one month.
It added that in case of partnerships, corporations or associations, the criminal liability shall devolve upon the president, director, or any other official responsible for the violation thereof. (Mindanao Examiner)
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