[ PROCLAMATION NO. 544, January 29, 2004 ]

DECLARING THE PERIOD OF MOURNING OVER THE DEATH OF SALVADOR H. LAUREL, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES



WHEREAS, Salvador H. Laurel, former Vice President, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Senator, had devoted most of his life to selfless, dedicated and sincere service to our country and our people;

WHEREAS, his public life stands as a testimony to his steadfast struggle against dictatorship and his valiant fight for preservation of the country ™s democratic institutions;

WHEREAS, the demise of Salvador H. Laurel, a patriot and a statesman, is a great loss to our people, stirring deep sorrow among them as well as intense admiration and profound gratitude;

WHEREAS, it is fitting to set aside a period of national mourning to honor a Filipino statesman, who during his public service, had gained prestige for the Republic and provided service of lasting benefit to the Filipino people.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALBERTO G. ROMULO, Executive Secretary, by order of Her Excellency, GLORIA MACAPAGL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, do hereby proclaim a period of mourning from January 29, 2004 until the day of his funeral. Flags in all government buildings and installations, at home and abroad, shall be flown at half-mast for a period of seven (7) days. Furthermore, the flag shall remain at half-mast at the edifices of the Office of the Vice President, the Philippine Senate, House of Representatives and the Department of Foreign Affairs even beyond sever (7) days until the day of former Vice President Salvador H. Laurel ™s funeral.

I call on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to give former Vice President Laurel a state funeral and burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani if the Laurel family so wishes.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 29th of January, in the year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Four.

By order of the President:

(Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary

By the Executive Secretary:

(Sgd.) JOAQUIN C. LAGONERA
Senior Deputy Executive Secretary