NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
iYs ? il (.i <- i-
'(©ffitf o(tl)i?S-rr ri;r
24 MAR 11 P1--20
RtCElVEOBV.
Senate Bill No. 2600
Introdueed by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel HI
AN ACT
DECLARING THE 28th OF SEPTEMBER OF EVERY YEAR 
AS A SPECIAL DAY FOR THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 
“PHILIPPINES - HUNGARY FRIENDSHIP DAY”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines and Hungary established formal diplomatic 
relations on September 28, 1973. The diplomatic ties between the two 
countries have evolved into a multifaceted partnership covering trade, 
labor and more.
In 2022, Hungary was the Philippines’ 45th trading partner (out 
of 231), with almost US$190 million trade values; 29th export market 
(out of 213), and 60th import source (out of 216). Hungary, for its part, 
relies on foreign country workers and professionals, including those 
from the Philippines.1
Indeed, Hungary’s commitment to foster ties with our country 
mirrors a common aspiration of prosperity and cooperation.
This bill seeks to designate September 28lh as a special day to 
celebrate the enduring partnership between the Republic of the 
Philippines and Hungary.
1 https://www.dti.gov.ph/archives/news-archives/ph-hungary-strengthen-economic-ties-ph- 
busi ness-del egati on-forges-business-deal s-budapest/


In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly 
sought.
KOKO’’ PIIM EIwEL III


10
11
12
13
14
15
16
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PFHLIPPINES
Second Regular Session
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. c600
''v;''W"7(®u,£f o£ ll^c ~ct' l’t"1
24 mar 11 PI :20
RECElVuuS1'.
Introdueed by Senator Aquilino fcfcKoko” Pimentel HI
AN ACT
DECLARING THE 28th OF SEPTEMBER OF EVERY YEAR 
AS A SPECIAL DAY FOR THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 
“PHILIPPINES-HUNGARY FRIENDSHIP DAY”
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State
2 
to pursue an independent foreign policy in its relations with other
3 
States. It is also the policy of the State to put value to its existing
4 
bilateral relations with other States and to commemorate and celebrate
5 
these bilateral relations annually, and on their special occasions like the
6 
50th, 75lh, and 100th year anniversaries of the said bilateral relations.
SEC. 2. Diplomatic Relations. - The Philippines and Hungary 
established their diplomatic relations on September 28, 1973. 
Therefore, the 28th of September of every year is hereby declared as a 
Special Day for the commemoration of the “Philippines - Hungary 
Friendship Day”.
SEC. 3. Implementing Agency. - The Department of Foreign 
Affairs (DFA) shall lead the Government in the commemoration and 
celebration of the “Philippines - Hungary Friendship Day” annually.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
and on other special occasions like, but not limited to, the 75th and 100th 
year anniversaries.
SEC 4. Special Day Status. - The Special Day status of the date 
herein referred to in Section 2 shall not affect its classification as either 
a working or a non-working day as determined by some other more 
specific law.
SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current 
appropriations of the DFA. Thereafter, such amount necessary for the 
continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual 
General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, 
proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, which are 
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified 
accordingly.
SEC. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,