PROCLAMATION NO. 558

WHEREAS, February 27, 2004 marks the 17^th death anniversary of Jose W. Diokno, former Senator of the Republic, jurist, nationalist and statesman;

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

WHEREAS, the passing away of Sen. Diokno was a great loss to our people and has caused deep sorrow among them, and it is but fitting to honor him on his death anniversary.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALBERTO G. ROMULO, Executive Secretary, by order of Her Excellency, GLORIA MACAPAGAL – ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, do hereby declare a day of remembering the 17^th death anniversary of former Senator Jose W. Diokno on February 27, 2004. During that day, flags of all government buildings and installations, at home and abroad, shall be flown at half mast.

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 24th day of February, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Four.

By order of the President:

ALBERTO G. ROMULO

Executive Secretary

By the Executive Secretary:

JOAQUIN C. LAGONERA