p a OF REPRESENTATIVES
| RECEIVED

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTAT! REGISTRATION UNIT
— BILLS AND INDEX SERVICE
H.No.__£5U/

Introduced by Representative Vilma Santos-Recto
6th District of Batangas

AN ACT
DECLARING JULY 27 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL NATIONAL NON-
WORKING HOLIDAY IN COMMEMORATION OF THE FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY
OF THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO IN THE PHILIPPINES

Explanatory Note

The Iglsiani Cristo (INC) is a Christian religion founded in the Philippines by Brother
Felix Y. Manalo when it established its first congregation in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila. On July 27,
1914, the INC was registered with the Philippine government. Brother Felix Manalo became the
first Executive Minister who soon trained ministers to assist him in the propagation of the
Church.

The first ecclesiastical district was created in Pampanga ten years after its foundation,
while its first worship outside the Philippines was held in Honolulu, Hawii, USA in July 1968.
This signaled the beginnings of its expansion all over the world.

After a century since its foundation, the INC membership now comprises 110
nationalities living in 100 countries and territories in all the continents in the world. Aside from
the United States of America where it has a strong presence the Church also has existing active
congregations in Cuba, Mexico, Aruba, England, Italy, Israel, South Africa and the Southeast
Asian countries of Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia, among other nations.

In the Philippines, the INC provides religious services through the 104 ecclesiastical
districts all over the country. It is the third largest religion in the count after the Roman Catholic
Church and Islam.

The INC faith is anchored on Jesus Christ as depicted in the Holy Bible, which the
members integrate in their day-to-day lives. The responsibility for the Church teachings rests in a
centralized administration that instills discipline and unity of faith and practice in accordance
with the Bible and Church rules.

The INC emphasizes respect for human authority or the duly constituted government and
directs its members to obey the laws. The INC promotes peace and order by teaching its
members to obey rules and regulations and restricts them from joining organizations and unions
that resort to violence and extra-judicial means to advance its causes.'

This bill seeks to declare the INC foundation every July 27 of each year as a non-working
special public holiday in order for the millions of its members, together with the Fi
to celebrate in a more appropriate manner this milestone in the Church’s history.

"Source of data on the history of the INC and its core values : www. inemedia.org


This holiday will recognize the contributions of the INC in nurturing the faith of the
people as well as its part in fostering nation-building. This celebration will allow the members
and our countrymen to draw inspiration from the faith and how it has developed them into good
citizens of the country.

VILMA SANTOS-RECTO


CoV anewne

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —_)

First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE

H.No.__ 2602

Introduced by Representative Vilma Santos-Recto
6th District of Batangas

AN ACT
DECLARING JULY 27 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL NATIONAL NON-
WORKING HOLIDAY IN COMMEMORATION OF THE FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY
OF THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO IN THE PHILIPPINES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

SECTION 1. The twenty seventh (27) day of July of every year is hereby declared a
special national non-working holiday in commemoration of the founding anniversary of the
Iglesiani Cristo (INC).

SEC. 2. Repealing Clause. ~ Section 26, Chapter 7, Book I of Executive Order No. 292,
as amended, pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 9645 and all other laws, decrees, executive
orders, and rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 3.Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication
in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,