ANGELES CITY— To commemorate the valor of former Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos, Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin led the wreath-laying ceremony for the Kapampangan hero.
The ceremony was held in front of Museo ning Angeles today, May 7, 2022, where the erected monument for the World War II martyr stands tall.
Mayor Lazatin stressed during his remarks that the heroism of Abad Santos should serve as an inspiration for both the front liners and Angeleños to continue working together amidst the pandemic.
“Nawa’y maging inspirasyon po ang kagitingan ng martir at bayaning si Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos sa bawat Angeleño upang gawin ang bahagi sa pagsugpo ng COVID-19,” Lazatin mentioned.
May 7, 2022 is declared a special non-working holiday in Angeles City and Pampanga through Republic Act 8815.
Former Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos was a Kapampangan associate justice who used his expertise in the law to protect the people. His martyrdom lived on during World War II.
“Jose Abad Santos, a great Kapampangan hero, served as a reminder for the main essence of the law, to safeguard the Filipino people,” Lazatin said.
Present during the ceremony are City Vice Mayor Vicenta “Vicky” Vega-Cabigting; City Tourism Officer-in-Charge Anneleen Antonio-Sugui and staff; Jose Abad Santos Masonic Lodge 333 — Worshipful Master, Police Lt. Col. John Lopez Clark, and members; Barangay Sto. Rosario Captain Renato Cosme; Architect Leandro Naguiat and Architect Augusto Angeles, President and Vice President of the Kuliat Foundation respectively; Carmen Mctavish, Founding Trustee and Incorporator; and City Councilor Raco Del Rosario.