CITY OF MALOLOS — The people of Bulacan should not be ashamed of being a Bulakenyo despite the issues surrounding the anomalies in the flood control projects in the province.
This was the focus of the message of Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Maria Theresa Arcega, who led the 127th Anniversary of the Opening of the Malolos Congress Session at the historical Barasoain Church in this city this Monday morning (Sept. 15).
“Therefore, to be strong in this current challenge, I encouraged the Bulakenyos to live the spirit of the Malolos Congress and not let it be tarnished,” Arcega added.
This message is timely on the anniversary of the Malolos Congress because through it, Filipinos were introduced to the three branches of government such as the executive, legislature and judiciary. Over time, the judiciary branch has expanded due to reforms such as the establishment of the Sandiganbayan.
Anchored on the theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan,” the celebration started with a flag-raising ceremony followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the president of the First Philippine Republic.
In 1978, then President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr. established the Sandiganbayan by virtue of Presidential Decree 1486, as a specific court to hear cases involving corruption of government officials and employees.
In this regard, Justice Arcega assured a fair and speedy decision in the cases expected to fall foul of them, regarding the issues of flood control projects particularly in Bulacan.
For his part, Governor Daniel R. Fernando, said in the spirit of the Malolos Congress continues to teach that it is the obligation of the current generation to free the country from corruption so that the obstacle to full development is removed.
On the other hand, Atty. Christian D. Natividad, Mayor of Malolos, said that true love for the Motherland is measured by action and obedience to the law. His message was a reminder that caring for the country should be seen in our actions and not just in words.
“From here in Malolos, the first democratic and constitutional country in Asia emerged. A historical legacy that we will continue to live in thought, word, and deed,” Natividad added.
The activities were led by Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Maria Theresa Arcega as guest of honor and speaker, Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando, Vice Governor Alex Castro, Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad, Vice Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian, Monsignor Domingo Ladia, Gina Batuhan, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., PRO3 regional director.
The Malolos Congress, first convened in 1898, was a historic assembly of Filipino leaders that drafted and ratified the Malolos Constitution, the first republican constitution in Asia, and laid the foundation of the First Philippine Republic.
The commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of the Malolos Congress is the culminating activity of the weeklong Singkaban 2025 celebration and was organized by the NHCP, along with the provincial government through its Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office. (UnliNews Online)
