Pres. Marcos moves Ninoy Aquino Day to Aug 23, ignites debate

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. moved Ninoy Aquino Day from August 21, 2024, to August 23, 2024, through Executive Order No. 665, to create a four-day weekend with National Heroes Day on August 26.

This change aims to encourage domestic tourism by providing an extended break.

However, Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman stated that this change violates Republic Act (RA) No. 9492, which requires movable holidays to be proclaimed at least six months prior.

Despite the date shift, the Aquino family stated that the legacy of Ninoy Aquino, who died fighting for the country and whose death sparked a revolution that ended the Marcos Sr. authoritarian rule, will not be diminished.