SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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SENATE 
S.B. No. 1301
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RECEIVED B\-..
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT DECLARING THE LAST MONDAY OF JANUARY AS THE
NATIONAL FAITH DAY
Explanatory Note
According to the data presented by the Center for Global Education, 
about 94% of the population of the Philippines are Christians, 4% are 
Muslims, while the remaining 2% are those practicing non-Western and 
indigenous beliefs. In fact, the Pew Research Center approximates that 
90% of Filipinos consider religion very important. It further estimates that 
by 2050, the Philippines will be the fourth country with the largest 
Christian population.
This bill recognizes the religiosity of Filipinos and seeks to encourage 
them observe their faith in a manner that will positively influence the 
society. This bill also seeks to recognize the various faith groups in the 
Philippines and allow them, in unity, to commemorate a special day in 
celebrating their respective beliefs.
This bill also complements the commemoration of the “National Bible 
Week” established under Proclamation Nos. 44 and 1067, which 
designates the last week of January of every year as the “National Bible 
Week.”
Thus, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SENATOR/JOEL VILLANUEVA


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
;?ii 
Senate
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•17 JAN 19 All 03
SENATE
S B. No. 1301
RECEIVED SV;
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
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AN ACT DECLARING THE LAST MONDAY OF JANUARY AS THE
NATIONAL FAITH DAY
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SEC. 1. Short Title. -  The last Monday of January of every year is hereby 
declared as the “National Faith Day."
SEC. 2. Declaration of Principles. -  It is a policy of the State to aid and 
encourage the development of the moral character and spiritual foundation of the 
Filipino people.
SEC. 3. Section 26, Chapter 7, Book I of Executive Order No. 292, otherwise 
known as “The Administrative Code of 1987," as amended, is hereby amended to 
read as follows:
SEC. 26. Regular Holidays and Nationwide Special Days. -.
(1) 
Unless otherwise modified by law, order or proclamation, the following 
regular holidays and special days shall be observed in the country:
A. Regular Holidays
New Year’s Day
January 1
NATIONAL FAITH DAY
MOVABLE DATE
Maundy Thursday
Moyable Date
Good Friday
Movable Date
Araw ng Kagitingan
Monday nearest April 9
Labor Day
Monday nearest May 1
Eidul Fitr
Movable Date
Eidul Adha
Movable Date
Independence Day
Monday nearest June 12
National Heroes Day
Last Monday of August
Bonifacio Day
Monday nearest November 30
Christmas Day
December 25
Rizal Day
Monday nearest December 30


B. Nationwide Special Holidays
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Ninoy Aquino Day
Monday nearest August 21
All Saints Day
November 1
Last day of the year
December 31
C. The terms “legal or regular holidays” and “special holiday,” as used 
in laws, orders, rules and regulations or other issuances shall be 
referred to as “regular holiday” and “special day,” respectively.
SEC. 4. Separability Clause. -  If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the validity of the provisions shall not be 
affected thereby.
SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. -  All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations 
or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly.
Sec. 6. Effectivity. -  This Act shall take fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,