Cockfighting prohibited on Rizal Day - Malacañang

MANILA, Philippines - Cockfighting and other "gambling" sports will be prohibited on Rizal Day (December 30), a Malacañang official said Friday.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, in an early reminder to everyone, said that cockfighting, horse racing and jai alai are outlawed on that day to honor the reformist's "ultimate sacrifice."

Lacierda added that violations by any citizen or institution will be punished in the form of fines or imprisonment under Republic Act 229.

Meanwhile, the presidential spokesperson said that Philippine flags throughout the country will be lowered to half mast on Rizal Day.

The Palace official also said that this year's commemoration of Rizal's sacrifice is also the 100th year of Rizal's remains in the monument at Luneta, which was transferred from the home of the hero's sister in 1912.

"Rizal‘s devotion to truth, justice, and the civic virtues impelled him to deplore and expose the abuses of colonialism, resulting in his incarceration and eventual execution," Lacierda said,

Although the country does not have a single national hero, Lacierda called Rizal "chief among our pantheon of heroes."

"Dr. Rizal embodies the highest aspirations of Filipinos as a people and as a nation," the spokesperson added.

Rizal was executed by the Spaniards on December 30, 1896 and his remains were buried at the Paco cemetery. His family took custody of his remains in 1898.

Also in 1898, President Emilio Aguinaldo declared December 30 as a national day of mourning in honor of Rizal and other Filipino heroes who fought against the Spanish rule.