Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 2573

Introduced by Honorable Ma. Alana Samantha Talifio Santos

AN ACT PROCLAIMING THE 7 DAY OF FEBRUARY OF EVERY YEAR AS
NATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM APPRECIATION DAY IN CELEBRATION OF
THE WORLD INTERFAITH HARMONY WEEK OF THE UNITED NATIONS

EXPLANATORY NOTE
Our fundamental law highlights the freedom to exercise and enjoy any religious profession or

worship, without being subject to any form of discrimination. Given the current belief systems in
the country where it is predominantly Christian, prejudice against the minority still exists.

In this light, it is imperative for us to establish a harmonious relationship between and among
various faiths and religions, promote a culture of peace and nonviolence, and create enabling
mechanisms for inter-faith dialogues. Towards this end, it is deemed necessary that we continue
to perpetuate the message of religious freedom and respect in the country through initiatives that
promote and celebrate the culture of dialogue, mutual cooperation, and religious freedom.

With this, itis deemed that the institutionalization of an annual celebration of religious freedom in
the country is necessary to promote cultural respect, reconciliat ity; dismantle the

(THA TALINO SANTOS
Representative
istrict, Cotabato Province


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 2 573
Introduced by Honorable Ma. Alana Samantha Talifio Santos

AN ACT PROCLAIMING THE 7 DAY OF FEBRUARY OF EVERY YEAR AS
NATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM APPRECIATION DAY IN CELEBRATION OF
THE WORLD INTERFAITH HARMONY WEEK OF THE UNITED NATIONS

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “National Religious
Freedom Appreciation Day Act”

SECTION 2. Declaration of State Policy. —It is the declared policy of the State to
allow and guard the fundamental right of every person to the free exercise and enjoyment of
religious profession and worship under Section 5, Article III of the 1987 Constitution.
Accordingly, the Constitutional right of every Filipino to profess, practice, and propagate
religious beliefs must always be recognized, respected, and allowed except in cases where there
is clear, grave and present danger or threat detrimental to a person’s right to life, liberty or
property, public interest, or security.

SECTION 3. National Religious Freedom Appreciation Day. ~ The 7 day of
February of every year is hereby declared as National Religious Freedom Appreciation Day.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — To ensure the significance of
the National Religious Freedom Appreciation Day, the Council on Interfaith Initiatives under
Office of the President shall promulgate the rules and regulations to implement this Act within
sixty (60) days after its activity.

SECTION 5. Separability Clause. — \f any provision of this Act is held invalid
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected shall remain in conviction and effect.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause — All laws, executive orders, issuances, decrees, rules
and regulations inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are deemed amended,
modified, and repealed accordingly.

SECTION 5. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,