In a fitting tribute to his martyrdom and heroism, the city government of Angeles held a wreath-laying ceremony honoring former Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos on his 79th death anniversary recently.
Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin, together with several local officials, laid the wreath in front of the Museo Ning Angeles, where the monument of Abad Santos stands.
Lazatin said the activity seeks to remind the public of the martyrdom of the late World War II hero who is a native of San Fernando, Pampanga.
“He dedicated his life in the pursuit of justice, using the law to help his kababayans.”
“We honor the life and legacy of one of the greatest Filipino heroes of World War II, former Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos. He dedicated his life in the pursuit of justice, using the law to help his kababayans (compatriots). In the face of death, Abad Santos proved his unwavering loyalty and love for his country,” the mayor said.
He also urged the residents to be inspired by Abad Santos’ heroism and to do their part in helping the city government and health workers in finally eradicating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“Let us help our modern-day heroes.”
“Let us help our modern-day heroes, the medical health workers, and frontliners, by doing our part in helping reduce the spread of the deadly virus,” Lazatin stressed.
Republic Act No. 8815 declares May 7 as Jose Abad Santos Day, a special non-working holiday in Pampanga and Angeles City.
Abad Santos was born on February 19, 1886. He served as an Associate Justice for almost a decade, before being appointed as the fifth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and acting Secretary of Finance, Agriculture, and Commerce in 1941.
He was executed on May 7, 1942, for refusing to swear allegiance to the Japanese government.