THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
1 
S. B. No. 
E 
B w 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 15, Section 1 provides that: 
The State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the 
nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote 
its total development. 
In the Philippines, close family ties have always been recognized as one of the 
core values of families. There exists a strong mutual relationship bonded by love, 
understanding, and respect towards each family member especially the mother who 
manages the household and takes care of the family. Consequently, gratitude for the 
laudable role of the mother should be celebrated. 
In 1921, American Governor General Charles E. Yeater issued Circular No. 33 
declaring the first Monday of December as Mother's Day in the Philippines. The entire 
country celebrated the day with appropriate programs in honor of all the mothers. In 
keeping with the tradition, the late President Manuel L. Quezon declared that Mother's 
Day should be celebrated nationwide every first Monday of December. 
The tradition continued to be celebrated until President Corazon Aquino issued 
Proclamation No. 266 declaring the first Sunday of May as Mother's Day. This was 
influenced by a group of businessmen who wanted to drum up business during the 
usually slack season from March to May and so suggested a Mother's Day in May to 
coincide with the American Mother's Day. 
However, Mother's Day on the first Sunday of May is not appropriate for us 
Filipinos because it is an American tradition rather than a Filipino tradition. It is also 
best to note that first week of May is vacation time in the Philippines so the school 


children cannot celebrate the day as much as they could, if they are in school. On the 
other hand, if Mother’s Day is celebrated on December, the schools can organize 
programs in order to express our gratitude for our mothers. 
This bill seeks to address the appeal for the re-establishment of Mother’s Day 
celebration every first Monday of December in observance of the Filipino tradition of 
honoring our mothers. 


Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
DECLARING THE FIRST MONDAY OF DECEMBER AS “MOTHERS DAY” 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the Mother’s Day Act of 
2005”. 
SECTION2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the vital role of 
mothers in the foundation of family life. The natural and primary right and duty of 
parents in rearing the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character 
shall receive support from the government. 
SECTION 3. The first Monday of December is hereby declared as Mother’s Day. 
SECTION4. Lead Agency. - In the observance o f  this yearly occasion, the 
Department of Education shall conduct commemorative activities as a national token of 
recognition for mothers and motherhood. 
SECTION 5 .  Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of 
Education shall promulgate the appropriate rules and regulations necessary for the 
effective implementation of this Act within sixty (60) days from its approval. 
SECTION6. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part thereof is held 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting. 
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to 


or inconsistent with the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended 
accordingly. 
SECTION8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifken (15) days 
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulations. 
Approved,