Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
Quezon City
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7136

DATE:
TINE
BY:

SHED oa

House Bill no.

Introduced by Representative Wes Gatchalian

EXPLANATORY NOTE,

‘This law is proposed to declare the 30" of November every year as a special working
holiday in recognition of the Jesus Reigns, National Day of Worship.

‘Among the Christian community the November 30 has a particular significance for it
is on this date in 1947 when Israelites, after centuries of exile and torment, finding its most
hideous form in Nazi Germany, was finally able to regain its sovereignty and possession of
the promise land (Israel). Incidentally it was the ratification by the Philippines of the UN
Partition Pan of Palestine in 1947 which became decisive in carrying out this international
development. It is in solidarity with the people who the Christians consider as the chosen
why this day is considered special and blessed.

Spearheading these festivities are the Christian community in the country estimated
to be around 5.1% of the national population or around 5.1 million according to the
Philippine Statistics Authority. Among the participants of this event is the Philippine Council
of Evangelical Churches accounting for 2.1% of the National Population, which includes
seventy-two (72) Christian Churches and one-hundred thirty two (132) para-Churches
nationwide. This event is however not exclusive to only a single denomination as by design
the National Day of Worship was envisioned to be a united and ecumenical activity. In fact it
has been seen that through the years more and more even from the Roman Catholic Church
have equally and faithfully participated. It is estimated that around eighty-two (82)
provinces ali over the country participates in the festivities on this day. There is also a wide
spread participation from the sixteen (16) cities within Metro Manila. In 2017, an estimated
forty-thousand (40, 000) persons gathered in the Quezon City Memorial Circle, and a total of
‘one-million persons (1, 000, 000) nationwide, to celebrate the National Day of Worship.

The Christian Community in the Philippines has been instrumental in the socio-
economic development of our country. In their teachings, they have ingrained in us valuable
non-negotiable moral truths that make us all better individuals, and by their example of
charity they have shown us what it truly means to give unconditionally. This measure is
therefore proposed to grant them space and the recognition to truly express their faith,



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7136

House Bill no."

Introduced by Representative Wes Gatchalian

AN ACT DECLARING EVERY 30TH DAY OF NOVEMBER
EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL WORKING HOLIDAY
IN RECOGNITION OF JESUS REIGNS NATIONAL WORSHIP DAY

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. -
Day of Worship Act’.

this Act shall be known and cited as the “Jesus Reigns, National
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to recognize the
activities of Jesus Reigns! on its National Day of Worship.

SEC. 3. National Holiday. - November 30 of every year is hereby declared as a special
national working holiday in recognition of the Jesus Reigns, National Day of Worship.

SEC. 4. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order
letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended, accordingly

SEC. 5. Effectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,