The commemoration of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal will commence this morning when Pres. Aquino hoists the national flag in Rizal Park in Tarlac City at the exact time the Philippine national hero offered his life for his country on Dec. 30 ,1896 in Bagumbayan which is now Luneta Park in Manila. The observance of the 117th death anniversary of the Philippine national hero at the Rizal National Monument in Manila will led by VP Binay according to the state run Philippine News Agency (PNA). Malacanang earlier called on all institutions both public and private to lower the Philippine flag to half mast in solemn commemoration of the Rizal's death anniversary. Deputy Pres. Spokesperson Valte said "We also take this opportunity to once again remind our government bodies of Republic Act 229 which requires all institutions public and private to lower the Philippine flag to half mast in solemn commemoration of Dr. Rizal's ultimate sacrifice on Dec. 30, 1896 ; It also strictly forbids cockfighting, horse racing and Jai Alai games every Dec. 30 with criminal punishments in the form of fines or imprisonment or both for any official, citizen or public and private institutions that violates the law." At the same time she noted that this year's commemoration of Rizal's martyrdom also marks the centennial of the Rizal monument which was built as the tomb and memorial to the national hero.
