NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
of tijp
23 hay-8 P3 21
SENATE
S. B. NO. 214J
RECOr/tD 8V;
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT DECLARING AUGUST 9 OF EVERY YEAR AS THE 
PHILIPPINES-ISRAEL FRIENDSHIP DAY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The bilateral relations between the Republic of the Philippines and Israel 
are historic. In 1937, former President Manuel L. Quezon welcomed 1,300 
Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust through the “Open Door Policy.”1 He 
called on all Filipinos to welcome refugees and instructed the government to 
assist them.2 This act was long before the Philippines issued Commonwealth 
Act No. 613, or the “Philippine Immigration Act of 1940,” and became a State 
party to the 1951 Refugee Convention in 1981.3
In 1947, the official establishment of the State of Israel was made 
through the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181 
on November 29, 1947. Thirty-three (33) countries voted in favor of said 
resolution, including the Philippines.4
The Philippines and Israel formally established diplomatic relations in 
1957 with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship. Subsequently, the Philippine 
Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israeli Embassy in Manila were opened in 1962.5
In 2009, in recognition of, and to express gratitude to, former President 
Manuel L. Quezon and the Filipino people for the Open Doors Policy, Israel
1 February 10, 2020, Remembering our humanitarian legacy with ‘Safe Haven: Jewish Refugees in the Philippines,’ 
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Available at https://www.unhcr.ora/ph/17553-iewish-refuqees.html 
(date last accessed: April 18, 2023).
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid.
^ 1947: The international community says YES to the establishment of the State of Israel, Israel Ministry of Foreign 
Affairs. Available at https://mfa.qov.il/Jubilee-vears/Paqes/1947-UN-General-Assemblv-Resolution-181-The- 
international-community-savs-Yes-to-the-establishment-of-the-State-of-lsrael.aspx (date last accessed: April 18, 
2023).
5 History of Philippine-lsrael Relations, Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. Available at 
https://www.iccp.ph/about-us/historv-of-philippine-israel-relations/ (date last accessed: April 18, 2023).


built an Open Doors Monument at the Holocaust Memorial Park in Rishon 
Lezion, Israel. The monument was designed by Filipino artist Luis “Junyee” Yee 
Jr. It has three (3) open doors, in increasing heights, symbolizing the courage 
and humanitarianism of the Filipino people in providing haven to Jewish 
refugees.6
As to trade and investment relations of the two nations, in 2020, Israel 
ranked 34th among the Philippines’ trading partners (out of 225 partners), 39th 
in export market (out of 212 markets) and 31st among import suppliers (out of 
205 suppliers).7 The top Philippine products exported to Israel include 
electronics, chemicals, marine products, and processed foods.8
Therefore, in commemoration of both nations’ steadfast and unwavering 
commitment to continue harmonious and peaceful diplomatic relations, the 
declaration of the Philippines-lsrael Friendship Day on August 9 of every year 
is being proposed to provide an opportunity to deepen such ties and explore 
ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two nations.
Thus, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
JOEL V/ILLANUEVA
6 September 5, 2018, President Duterte offers wreath at Open Doors Monument in Israel. Available at 
https://mirror.pco.qov.ph/news releases/president-duterte-offers-wreath-at-open-doors-monument-in-israel/ (date last 
accessed: April 18, 2023).
7 History of Philippine-lsrael Relations, Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. Available at 
https://www.iccp.ph/about-us/historv-of-philippine-israel-relations/ (date last accessed: April 18, 2023).
8 Ibid.


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of iJje
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
23 HAY-8 P3 21
SENATE
S.B. No. 2141
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT DECLARING AUGUST 9 OF EVERY YEAR AS THE 
PHILIPPINES-ISRAEL FRIENDSHIP DAY
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and countries with which 
it has shared history, values, and traditions, and to commemorate notable acts of 
bravery and compassion of the Filipino people.
SEC. 2. Philippines-lsrael Friendship Day. - It is hereby declared that the 
ninth day of August of each year shall be the Philippines-lsrael Friendship Day. This 
day shall commemorate the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the 
Philippines and Israel birthed from the signing of Proclamation No. 173 by President 
Manuel L Quezon, which called on all Filipinos to welcome and help Jewish refugees 
who were escaping the horrors of the Holocaust.
SEC. 3. Lead Agency. - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is hereby 
mandated to spearhead the celebration, in collaboration with the National Historical 
Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and other relevant government agencies and 
institutions. The DFA shall also lead the implementation of projects and events 
promoting the friendship and cultural understanding between the Philippines and Israel.
SEC. 4. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act or part hereof 
be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions or parts not affected 
thereby shall remain valid and effective.
SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, and issuances, or 
portions thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby 
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.


SEC. 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,