WHEREAS, Dr. Jose P. Rizal by virtue of his exemplary life and martyrdom for the nation is the National Hero of the Philippines;

WHEREAS, Malaca ang Palace serves as a reminder of, the sacrifice and tragedy of Jose Rizal's martyrdom, it being the site from which his death sentence was proclaimed, and his warrant of execution signed, and thereafter becoming the residence of the presidents of a nation made possible by Rizal's life, teachings, and death; and

WHEREAS, it is only fitting and proper that Malaca ang Palace, residence and office of the President of the Philippines should pay homage, as the nation renders homage, to the life and ideals of our foremost national hero.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, be virtue of the authority vested in me by law, do hereby rename what was formerly known as the Ceremonial Hall in Malaca ang Palace and shall henceforth be known as Rizal Hall, in honor of the nation's foremost patriot, hero and martyr, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, thereby serving as a tangible reminder of Dr. Rizal's civic and personal virtues to all who live, work, and visit the Palace of the People.

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 19th day of June, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Three.


By the President:

(Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary