BACOLOD CITY – The city government of Bacolod failed to obtain an order from the Office of the President declaring June 18 a special non-working holiday to commemorate the 74th Charter Day of the city.

This was confirmed by Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson late afternoon yesterday, saying he has no official word from Malacañang yet but he has been informed that their request was not granted.

He said the Charter Day events will still continue, and participation of students from various schools will become part of their school activities.

The week-long events leading to June 18 were organized based on City Ordinance No. 588. It provides that the city will commemorate every June 18 and every year thereafter as the date of the signing into law of Commonwealth Act 326 otherwise known as "The Charter of the City of Bacolod."

A source from Malacañang said a draft of the presidential proclamation was ready for the signature of President Benigno Aquino III, but last minute glitches apparently prevented the signing from pushing through.

Last month, Bacolod City Rep. Anthony Golez delivered a privilege speech in the House of Representatives to air his opposition to the June 18 charter day, calling it illegal.

Bacolod has been celebrating its charter anniversary every October 19 but city officials said there is a need to correct the tradition because the city's charter was actually signed by then President Manuel L. Quezon on June 18, 1938.

Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairman of the committee on laws and ordinances, said declaring June 18 a special holiday is pro-people.

"If you are against it, then you are anti-people," he said.

Distrito said that if June 18 is declared a holiday, Bacoleños will have a rest day and still get paid and can participate in the activities while those who need to work will receive additional pay.

"The ordinance as a legal basis was approved unanimously. In short, all public officials in the city are in unison in saying that June 18 is our charter anniversary," he said.

Distrito said a resolution requesting Malacañang to declare June 18 a holiday was likewise passed unanimously.

Councilor Em Ang, chairperson of the 2012 Charter Day celebration, said that in today's session, Councilor Archie Baribar and four other councilors, including her, will propose an ordinance declaring June 18 of every year as "Paghanduraw Day" to celebrate the signing Commonwealth Act 326.

The ordinance provides the creation of a committee that will be chaired by the city mayor or his/her representative.*