Relocation of historic monuments in San Juan a “national issue,” says JV Ejercito
May 08, 2023
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Monday
said the relocation of three monuments honoring Katipunan founder Andres
Bonifacio, revolutionary general Emilio Jacinto, and nationalist writer Dr.
Jose Rizal is a “national issue” due to San Juan’s significance to the 1898
Philippine Revolution.
Ejercito expressed his dismay over the
relocation of these landmarks from Pinaglabanan Shrine and Plaza Mayor to
obscure areas within the Pinaglabanan Shrine complex in San Juan,
“This is a national issue because this
pertains to our national heroes, our source of pride and patriotism,” he said
in a press conference.
“We have to preserve our historic sites and
give importance to history,” he added
The Bonifacio and Jacinto monuments were
previously situated along Pinaglabanan Street, a bustling thoroughfare at the
heart of San Juan, while the Rizal monument was located at the Plaza Mayor.
The former commemorates the two key figures
who led the Battle of San Juan del Monte, the first battle of the Philippine
Revolution. The battle took place on August 30, 1896, shortly after the abrupt
discovery of the Katipunan and its plans for revolution.
All three monuments were made by renowned
sculptor Eduardo Castrillo.
The lawmaker from San Juan said these
monuments were placed in their original locations “to be seen and appreciated
by the public” and build awareness on the crucial role that the Katipunan
played in the country’s struggle for independence.
“It’s our humble contribution to strengthen
patriotism, na palakasin ang ating pagmamahal sa Bayan, lalo na sa ating mga
kabataan, na malaman nila yung pinaghirapan, yung sinakripisyo, yung dugo,
pawis, at buhay na ibinigay ng ating mga bayani para makamtan ang kalayaan,” he
said.
Ejercito said he will discuss the issue with the
National Historical Commission of the Philippines and is considering filing a
resolution to launch a Senate probe on the relocation of these monuments.
