Bill Text: CA SCR74 | 2015-2016 | Regular Session | Introduced

California Senate Concurrent Resolution 74 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Philippine Independence Day.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 4-0)

Status: (Failed) 2016-11-30 - From committee without further action. [SCR74 Detail]

Download: California-2015-SCR74-Introduced.html

BILL NUMBER: SCR 74	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Huff
   (Coauthor: Senator Nguyen)
   (Coauthors: Assembly Members Chang and Kim)

                        JUNE 9, 2015

   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.