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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

i SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
: First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.__2830

syne 11 SEP 2013
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Introduced by Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The positive effect of the proselytizing work of the iglesia Ni Cristo on modem Philippine
society cannot be gainsaid. Mts puranical adnerence to ine teachings vf the Bible
underpins moral renaissance and molds anew the Filipino psyche into leading the basic
Christian way of life. Heartening comments from disinterested observers of the church
are rife, thus,

“Why is it every time we get to talking about a strong and well-managed, disciplined and
powertiah church, we invariably paint to the Uglesia Ni Crista’

“We would even heave @ sigh and wonder what makes the INC so influential. What
makes its members so committed and disciplined that they attend services twice i: week
without fail?

The INC stands out like a rock of sobriety, unity and nationalism amid the political and
‘economic turbulence shaking the country today

“Phe INC does have discipline and its teaders do keep themselves very low-key
something chat we wish ourawn Cathatic bishaps would lear ter der...

“The Iglesian Ni Cristo has indeed set a good example to other church groups and non-
gaverument organizations in extending, assistance to our brothers and sisters in war-torn
places in Mindanao.

“Beyond ministering to the spiritual well-being of its members, the Iglesia Ni Cristo
optimizes compassion and concem even for those outside its fold.’

“Yet for all its magnificent temples and imposing edifices and other signs of material
wealth, the Iglesia has remained faithful to its mission as the church of the poor... its
deeds in improving the life of its followers, both spiritual and physical, are indelible
tracks in Philippine religious movements.

contributions in the care of the Filipino people.

we share your view that the Iglesia Ni Cristo has indeed made laudable

* Bodegon, Joe! L., The Isaiah Paradigm. p. 116
? Editonal, Manila Bulletin, January 2. 2007
‘Paredes. Ducky. Malaya, February 19, 2003
* Manila Bulletin, July 28, 2000
{; Philippines Free Press. 1990-2000 The Philippines Century. pp. 214-215
* Villanueva. Robert C , Philippine Free Press, July 30. 1990
Basan, Emerinda ®., Letter to the Author November 42,2010

> RECEIVED Qa



Furthermore, the whole of the nation stands to benefit from the church's humanitarian
program called Lingap sa Mamamayan (Aid to humanity) whereby the church extends
assistance to individuals in distress regardless of their religion, ethnic origin-oc stature in
nocaeh or

Hence, this bill seeks to amend section 3 of Republic Act No.

‘of every year as a special national non-working holiday in hi
and the commemoration of her founding anniversary in the

5 by dectaring Jul)\27
nor of the Iglesia Ni Cristo
ilippines. }

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is|eamestly sought. yy

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WINSTON “WINNIE” T. CASTELO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE Bittno._ 2830

introduced by Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo

AN ACT DECLARING JULY 27 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL

NON-WORKING HOLIDAY IN RECOGNITION OF THE FOUNDING

ANNIVERSARYOF THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO IN THE PHILIPPINES,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 3 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9645

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shali be known and cited as the “Commemoration
of the Founding Anniversary of iglesia Ni Cristo Act’.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy ~ It is the declared policy of the State to observe
the founding anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo every 27" of July in recognition of its
exemplary feat of leading its members towards spiritual enlightenment and good
citizenry.

Section 3. Amendment to Republic Act No. 9645:
Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9645 is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 3. National Holiday. — July 27 of every year is hereby declared as a special
national NON-WORKING HOLIDAY in commemoration of the founding anniversary of
the Iglesia Ni Cristo in the Philippines.

Section 4. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation to or inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

Section 5. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect immediately upon approval,

Approved,