SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S. B. No.
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•17 FEB-9 P2«4
RECEiVLO BY;
Introduced by Senator Aquilino uKoko” Pimentel HI
AN ACT
DECLARING THE TWENTY THIRD DAY OF JANUARY OF 
EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL \\ ORKING HOLIDAY IN THE 
ENTIRE PHILIPPINES, TO COMMEMORATE THE 
DECLARATION OF THE FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC ON 
JANUARY 23, 1899 AT THE BARASOAIN CHURCH, 
MALOLOS, BULACAN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PU RPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
On January 23, 1899, the First Philippine Republic (also known as 
the ""Malolos Republic") was inaugurated at Barasoain Church, Malolos, 
Bulacan. This momentous event gave the Philippines the distinction of 
being the first independent Republic in Asia. In addition, the declaration 
ushered in the constitution of the central government of the new Republic, 
officially marking the claim of Filipinos to sovereignty after more than 
three centuries of Spanish colonial rule.
The inauguration of the First Philippine Republic has been regarded 
as of equal significance with the Declaration of Independence on June 12, 
1898 at Kawit, Cavite, and all other historic events leading towards the 
freedom of all Filipinos from foreign subjugation. In recognition of the 
importance of this date in Philippine history, former President Benigno S. 
Aquino III issued Proclamation No. 533 on January 9, 2013, declaring 
January 23 of every year as “/1/Y/vy ng Republikang Filipino, 1899."
The foregoing measure seeks to declare January 23 of every year as a 
special working holiday to increase public awareness on the significance of 
the declaration of the First Philippine Republic, ensure meaningful


observance of the same, and encourage people’s participation in the 
activities and programs that are to be spearheaded by the National 
Historical Commission.
Thus, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
AQUILINC; “KOKO” PIMENTEL III


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T E  
S. B. No. 1328
,,,f ^rrrf,arF
•17 
FEB-9 P2 -04
RtCEii/i-D b..
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel HI
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AN ACT
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DECLARING THE TWENTY THIRD DAY OF JANUARY OF
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EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE
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ENTIRE PHILIPPINES, TO COiMiMEMORA I E THE
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DECLARATION OF THE FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC ON
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JANUARY 23, 1899 AT THE BARASOAIN CHURCH,
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MALOLOS, BULACAN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
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AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
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Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION. 
First Philippine Republic Day. -  To commemorate 
the declaration of the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic, the 
twenty third (23rd) day of January of every year is hereby declared as the 
“First Philippine Republic Day” which shall be a special working 
holiday in the entire country.
SEC. l.Activities in Celebration of the First Philippine Republic 
D ay- The National Historical Commission (NHC), in coordination with 
the Department of Education, shall plan and implement activities for the 
“First Philippine Republic Day” to emphasize its significance to our 
national history and democracy.
SEC. ^^.Appropriations. -  The initial amount necessary to 
implement the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the current 
year’s appropriation of the NHC. Thereafter, such sums as may be 
necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included 
in the annual General Appropriations Act.


SEC. ASeparability Clause -  Should any provision of this Act or 
part hereof be declared unconstitutional, the other provisions or parts not 
affected thereby shall remain valid and effective.
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SEC. ^.Repealing Clause- All laws, decrees, orders, and
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issuances, or portions thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions
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of this Act, are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
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SEC. 6.Effectivity Clause -  This Act shall take effect after fifteen
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(15) days from its complete publication in two (2) newspapers of general
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circulation.
Approved,