EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 2558
24 FEB 19 P3 -09
RliCiziV: J:
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel HI
AN ACT DECLARING
THE 19th OF AUGUST OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL DAY 
FOR THE COMMEMORATION OF THE “PHILIPPINES - 
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES FRIENDSHIP DAY”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) established 
diplomatic relations on 19 August 1974. Their relationship is based on 
rich historical, cultural, and economic ties.
In fact, the UAE is the Philippines’ 17th largest trading partner 
and the top export market among all Gulf Cooperation Council member 
States. Additionally, the UAE is the second home to one of the largest 
populations of overseas Filipinos in the Middle East and well-known 
and home-grown Filipino brands and businesses1 such as Jollibee, 
Bench, Chowking etc.
This bill seeks to dedicate August 19th as a special day to honor 
the long-standing relationship between the Republic of the Philippines 
and the United Arab Emirates.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly
S0U8ht ^
AQUILINO “KOKO” PIMENTEL III
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/ph-usa-to-forge-comprehensive-econ-partnership


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 2556
oi itiC
24 FEB 19 P3 :10
RECEIVED EV:
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III
AN ACT
DECLARING THE 19th OF AUGUST OF EVERY YEAR AS A 
SPECIAL DAY FOR THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 
“PHILIPPINES - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES FRIENDSHIP
DAY”
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State
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to pursue an independent foreign policy in its relations with other
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States. It is also the policy of the State to put value to its existing
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bilateral relations with other States and to commemorate and celebrate
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these bilateral relations annually, and on their special occasions like the
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50th, 75th, and 100th year anniversaries of the said bilateral relations.
SEC. 2. Diplomatic Relations. - The Philippines and the United 
Arab Emirates established their diplomatic relations on August 19, 
1974. Therefore, the 19th of August of every year is hereby declared as 
a Special Day for the commemoration of the “Philippines - United 
Arab Emirates Friendship Day”.
SEC. 3. Implementing Agency. - The Department of Foreign 
Affairs shall lead the Government in the commemoration and 
celebration of the “Philippines - United Arab Emirates Friendship


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Day” annually, and on other special occasions like, but not limited to, 
the 50th, 75th, and 100th year anniversaries.
SEC 4. Special Day Status. - The Special Day status of the date 
herein referred to in Section 2 shall not affect its classification as either 
a working or a non-working day as determined by some other more 
specific law.
SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to cany out the 
provisions of this Act shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the 
continued implementation hereof shall be included in the annual 
General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, 
proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, which are 
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified 
accordingly.
SEC. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,