FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
S E N A T E  
Introduced by Senator Manuel “Lito” M. Lapid 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The history of “Arnis de Mano” also known as “Kali or Escrima” in the 
Philippines can be traced way before the arrival of the first Galleon ships in the 
Archipelago. The first recorded account of the practice of “Arnis” reveals that it is 
primarily used by natives for tribal combats. It has been called by different names 
during the time such as kali or kabaroan in Ilocos, pagkalikali in Cagayan, 
kalirongan in Pangasinan, kaliradman in Samar and Leyte, and in Bicol as 
esfocado or esgrima. 
During the Spanish occupation, “Arnis” evolved as a sport coming in three 
variations: espada y daga ( sword and dagger), which uses a long and short stick 
solobaton, or single stick; and sinawali, which uses two sticks and employing 
movements similar to sawali weave. Some of our national heroes like Jose Rizal, 
Andres Bonifacio, Antonio Luna, Gregorio del Pilar, and Gregorio Aglipay were 
known to be practitioners of “Arnis”. 
Because of the intricate use and danger of “Arnis” which is one of the 
main weapons of our forefathers in the battle of Mactan, where Portuguese 
explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed, Spanish authorities in 1596 discouraged 
its practice. 
All these historical accounts imply that “Arnis” really originated in the 
Philippines. Renowned encyclopedias refer to ”Arnis” as Filipino Martial Arts. 
Similar native sports in other Asian countries like Korea’s Taekwondo, Thailand’s 
Muay Thai, and Japan’s Judo to name a few have become internationally 
accepted sports. 
This bill simply seeks to make “Arnis” as the Philippines’ National Sport. 
The game of “Sipa” also known as “Sepak Takraw“ and recognized as the 
national sport of our country, originated in Malaysia dating back to the 151‘~ 
century. 
“Arnis” as competitive sports is now starting to make waves internationally 
as more and more countries are starting to practice it. This native sport in fact 
made its debut in the international sports competition after it was included as one 
of the regular medal sports in the recently concluded 23“ Southeast Asian 
Games held in the Philippines. 
Its goal of penetrating a higher level in international sports competitions 
like the Asian Games and hopefully the world Olympics will be a milestone in 


Philippine Sports since our expertise in the craft of “Arnis de Mano” will elevate 
our standing as among the world’s best. 
The favorable passage of this bill is earnestly 
NI fl? 
UEL “LITO’ M. LAPID 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
S E N A T E  
S. B.No. 207 
Introduced by Senator Manuel “Lito” M. Lapid 
AN ACT 
DECLARING ARNE AS THE NATIONAL SPORT OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Declaration. - Arnis is hereby declared as the National 
Sport of the Philippines. 
Sec. 2. Integration in the Physical Education Curriculum. - In order to 
help propagate the practice as well as popularize Arnis in the country, all primary, 
secondary, and tertiary public and private educational institutions are mandated 
to include Arnis as a required subject in its Physical Education (PE) curriculum. 
Sec.3. Observance. - In order to make the declaration of Arnis as a 
national sport meaningful and momentous, the month of April of every year shall 
be observed as “Arnis and Kali Month” to coincide with the commemoration of 
the “Battle of Mactan”. All educational institutions and public offices throughout 
the country are hereby enjoined to give their support to the celebration by 
conducting their respective activities with remarkable participation from all their 
students and workers, respectively. The Philippine Sports Commission in 
coordination with the Department of Education and the Civil Service Commission 
shall spearhead, as far as practicable, the conduct of simultaneous festive 
celebration in all Provinces anytime during the month long celebration. 


Sec. 3. Repealing Clause. - Any law, Presidential Decree, Issuance, 
Executive Order, Letter of Instruction, rules or regulations or portions thereof 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
Sec. 4. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
from the date of its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved,