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

19th Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1306

Introduced by Rep. MARIA VANESSA C. AUMENTADO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Filipinos and Israelis share common democratic values, freedom and civil
rights which are manifested in the span of more than 60 years of Philippine and
Israeli bilateral relation. In 1957, the State of Israel and the Republic of the
Philippines established full diplomatic relations with the signing of the Treaty
of Friendship on February 26, 1958. Consequently, the Israeli embassy in
Manila and the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv both opened in 1962.

The Philippines played a pivotal role in 2 significant events in Israel
history — the rescue of more than a thousand Jews from Nazi Germany and the
Philippines’ vote for the creation of the State of Israel in 1947.

It should be remembered that in the late 1930’s, the Philippine
Commonwealth Government under then President Manuel L. Quezon officially
offered safe haven and issued 10,000 visas to Jewish refugees. By then, while
most nations of the world shut their doors for Jews, the Philippines, through
Quezon’s “Open Door Policy” unconditionally received up to one thousand
three hundred (1,300) Jewish refugees and settled them in government-provided
housing communities in Marikina. The Israelis who were violently and
inhumanely treated during the Holocaust were provided new homes in the
Philippines and were treated with much compassion and kindness. Additional
plans were made to increase the visa allocation for Jews to 100,000 and to allow
more refugees to resettle in the country, but could not be carried out due to the
Japanese invasion of the Philippines in December 1941.


Significantly, on November 29, 1947, the Philippines voted for the
United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181 recommending partition of
Palestine and the establishment of a Jewish State. The Philippines was among
the 33 countries who supported the creation of the State of Israel; the only Asian
country who voted for the said UN Resolution.

The afore mentioned events became the foundation of a deep historical,
cultural and moral connection between two countries which later on led to a
long-lasting friendship. To reinforce the February 26, 1958 Treaty of
Friendship, the two countries signed in 1997 a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU), institutionalizing the bilateral political dialogue between the respective
foreign ministers. The political dialogue was accompanied by, among others,
cooperation in trade and economy, cultural, technical assistance, science,
academic exchanges, and tourism.

Up to this day, the Philippines continue to reap the benefits of helping the
Jews, with Filipino tourists being given visa-free entry to Israel for 90 days
since 1969. An important gesture of reciprocity is when typhoon Haiyan
(locally known as “Yolanda”), struck the Philippines and left thousands of
Filipinos dead, injured and homeless, the State of Israel immediately mobilized
medical professionals, set up field hospitals, donated medicine and provided
relief goods to those who were affected. Presently, the goverment of Israel and
the Israelis have been paying constant tribute to the moral courage displayed by
the Philippines and the Filipino people towards them in their most trying times.

Apparently, another value commonly shared by the Filipinos and the
Israelis is the repaying of one’s debts of gratitude (utang na loob). As a matter
of fact, in 2009, the State of Israel built an Open Doors Monument in Lezion
Memorial Park just off the city of Tel Aviv. Accordingly, the gesture was made
in grateful appreciation to the late Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon and
the Filipino people for the Open Doors Policy which gave Israeli refugees not
only new homes but also opportunity to lead new lives.

On February 26, 2018, marked the 60" anniversary of the “Treaty of
Friendship”, to which, Philippines and Israel celebrated their friendship in a
“day of jubilation” at the historical Luneta Park. To formally and officially mark
this significant occasion, there is a need to declare February 26 a national
holiday to commemorate the Treaty of Friendship signed by two countries,
More importantly, it is also an opportunity to commemorate President Manuel
L. Quezon’s Open Door Policy, which should be considered as one of the
Philippine’s greatest moral victories as a country and a showing of strength of
Filipino moral courage. It was a great moral victory, not only for the Israelis
who were saved, but also for the Filipinos who emerged as real-life heroes.


Indeed, the Israelis have not forgotten our acts of gallantry and kindness,
it is but right that we do also. This is a fragment of history where humanity
prevailed, and the Filipinos were at the center of it. Memories of the past must
always be remembered, for it will guide us in the present to be a better nation,
and to be better people.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.

MARIA VANESSA C. AUMENTADO
Representative
Bohol, Second [2] District


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

19th Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILE NO. 7306

Introduced by Rep. MARIA VANESSA C. AUMENTADO.

AN ACT
DECLARING FEBRUARY 26 OF EVERY YEAR
AS PHILIPPINE ISRAELI FRIENDSHIP DAY

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

SECTION 1. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to:

1, Strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and countries with
which it has shared history, values and traditions;

2. Commemorate notable acts of bravery and compassion by the Filipino
people and the Philippine government to remind the Filipinos of today
of our values as a nation.

SECTION 2. Philippine Israeli Friendship Day — On February 26,
1958, a Treaty of Friendship was signed by between the Republic of the
Philippines and the State of Israel, establishing their full diplomatic relations.
To mark this significant occasion, there is a need to declare said day a national
holiday to commemorate both countries’ mutual desire to strengthen their bond
of peace and tie of friendship.

‘The Twenty Sixth (26") day of February every year is hereby declared as
Philippine Israeli Friendship Day to commemorate the Treaty of Friendship
signed by and between the Philippines and Israel. It is hereby declared as a
national special working holiday.

SECTION 3. _ Implementation. - The National Historical Institute
(NHI) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Act. For this purpose,


it shall formulate and issue the implementing rules and regulations necessary for
the proper implementation of this Act.

SECTION 4. Separability Clause. — If any section or provision of this
Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not
affected thereby shall remain valid and effective.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees,
executive orders, rules and regulations, or any part thereof, which are
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

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

Approved.