Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6179

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: Congressman BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Since the beginning of time, immorality; unrighteousness; hatred;
lack of discipline; riotous living; covetousness; corruption; disrespect to
law, authority and parents; lust for money, identity, power and influence;
poverty, among others, have engulfed the world, wrecking families,
destroying relationships, sowing disorder, and even bringing down
leaders and governments. Our beloved country is not exempt of these
evils. The best and long-time solution to these problems and evils of
society and government is to teach ourselves and our people about God
and the principles and standards of living, and governance He declared in
his Word — the BIBLE. We, as a sovereign people recognize this because
we declared in the Preamble of our Constitution that we are imploring the
aid of Almighty God in order to build a just and humane society and
establish a government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, and
promote the common good. We also declared in the same Instrument that
“the State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and
shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual,
and social well-being” (Sec. 13, Art. II, Constitution); “All educational
institutions shall teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen
ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and personal
discipline (Secs. 3[1] and [2], Art. XIV, Constitution).

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These Constitutional declarations, however, can be best realized and
given true meaning with the concerted effort of all Bible-believers to
devote at last one (1) day every year wholly to proclaim the teachings,
and the standards and principles set by the Lord Jesus Christ whom God,
because of his divine love, sent to the world, that whosever believeth in
him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16, KJV).

The BAPTISTS in our country are committed to proclaim
throughout our nation and our people that knowing, understanding and
practicing Biblical principles and standards are the ingredients of a
healthy nation and people. They truly believe that all scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction righteousness [2 Timothy 3:16, KJV]. And for
the past one hundred nineteen (119) years that they have been in our
country, the BAPTIST people have adhered to, practiced, and
proclaimed, the Word of God, hence, they believe that they should be
given a special and specific date to be devoted exclusively in
proclaiming, teaching, reminding and sharing to our people throughout
the nation the grace and mercies of God, His goodness and faithfulness,
and the indispensability of biblical principles and standards in our life as
a people and as a nation, and in governance as well. In recognition of this,
and in remembrance of John the BAPTIST who personally baptized the
Lord Jesus Christ in the river Jordan (__ ), it is just fitting that one (1)
day in the calendar, particularly the 16" day of the month of January, be
declared as a special working holiday to be known as NATIONAL
BAPTIST DAY.

The immediate passage of this Bill is, therefore, earnestly pleaded.

M. ABANTE, JR.

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6179
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: Congressman BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR.

AN ACT

MAKING THE 16™ DAY OF JANUARY A SPECIAL WORKING
HOLIDAY TO BE KNOWN AS THE NATIONAL BAPTIST DAY,

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

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the NATIONAL
BAPTIST DAY.

SEC. 2. The 16" day of the month of January is hereby declared a
Special working Holiday to be known as NATIONAL BAPTIST DAY.

SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules and
regulations, and other issuances inconsistent with this Act are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15)

days following its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,