December 1 a Legal Holiday in the Philippines

Monday, December 1 2008, is a legal holiday in the Philippines. Normally, Bonifacio Day is celebrated on November 30, the birthday of Filipino national hero Andres Bonifacio. But since the date falls on a Sunday this year, the following day was declared by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as a day when no official business is to be conducted.

The holiday is in observance of the 45th birthday of the revolutionary leader Andrés Bonifacio, who advocated fighting against Spanish colonial rule in the late 19th century. Bonifacio is called the "Father of the Philippine Revolution" for founding the Katipunan organization, a prime mover in the independence movement against Spain. He was executed for the crimes of sedition and treason against the government of General Emilio Aguinaldo.

Andres Bonifacio is currently on the 10-peso coin, along with fellow Filipino patriot Apolinario Mabini.

Andrés Bonifacio
November 30, 1863 – May 10, 1897