CITY OF SAN FERNANDO–The Department of Public Works and Highways will install a life-sized monument of the late Justice Jose Abad Santos along a major highway in this city.
Pampanga First Engineering District chief, Engr. William Bustos, revealed the monument of Abad Santos will be erected along the Jose Abad Santos Avenue in front of the former Paskuhan Village here.
Abad Santos was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court during World War II, when Japanese invaders were advancing in Philippine soil.
He was appointed acting president when then President Manuel L. Quezon left for the United States.
Abad Santos was eventually arrested by the Japanese and was subsequently executed in Malabang, Lanao when he refused to swear allegiance to the foreign invaders.
Bustos said the idea of setting up the monument came from Public Works Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, a native of Candaba town.
Yabut and his brother, former provincial board member Ric Yabut, went to Lanao early this year to inspect the site where Abad Santos was supposedly buried after his execution in efforts to exhume the heroes’ remains.
Bustos said Public Works Central Luzon director Antonio Molano directed the district office to facilitate the installation of the monument for it to be unveiled to the public on May 5.
Dignitaries, businessmen and local government officials, according to Bustos, will be invited to witness the unveiling.
“This monument will constantly remind us about the heroism of Abad Santos and also educate the public why the former Gapan-San Fernando-Olongapo road was renamed JASA,” Bustos said.
As of Wednesday, the sculpture has been completed and its base was already scheduled for construction. –Albert B. Lacanlale