PRESIDENT Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. recently issued Proclamation 665, moving the observance of the Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino Jr. Day from Aug. 21, 2024 (Wednesday) to Aug. 23, 2024 (Friday) 'to promote domestic tourism' as the country will also commemorate National Heroes Day on Aug. 26, 2024 (Monday). With this move, the Marcos government essentially gave Filipinos a four-day break from Aug. 23 to 26, 2024.

Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman reacted negatively to the proclamation, saying in a statement: 'No holiday economics or domestic tourism boost can hold a candle to Ninoy's heroism,' insisting that the holiday should be observed on August 21, the actual day of Aquino's assassination in 1983.