Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 33

Introduced by HON. LORD ALLAN JAY Q. VELASCO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines is well-known as one of only two Christian countries in Asia. Its history
dates to 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan reached Philippine shores. It was then that the
conversion of the indigenous people to Christianity began.

Since then, not only have we been known for being a Christian-denominated country, but we
have also been known for our grand celebration of Christian occasions. The observance of the
Holy Week is one of the most significant Catholic occasions observed in the country. In the
Province of Marinduque, the people have held the Moriones Festival since 1807. It was
initiated by the Parish Priest of Mogpog, Marinduque, Father Dionisio Santiago. Presently, it
is celebrated every Holy Week with the people wearing colorful costumes and masks similar
to that of Roman soldiers. The people of Marinduque celebrate the Moriones Festival as a
way of atonement for their sins. The ceremony is a re-enactment of the biblical story of Saint
Longinus who was a Roman soldier who had one blind eye. It is known that Saint Longinus
struck Jesus on his side with his spear. The blood of Jesus spurted onto the blind eye of Saint
Longinus curing him of his blindness.

Given that it originated in the Province of Marinduque, and their annual celebration of it, the
Moriones Festival has become a part of the identity of the people of Marinduque.
Accordingly, it is proper to declare the Province of Marinduque as the home of the Moriones
Festival. This would bring great pride to the people of Marinduque.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

LORD, AY Q. VELASCO,


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO.

Introduced by HON. LORD ALLAN JAY Q. VELASCO.

AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE AS THE HOME OF
THE MORIONES FESTIVAL,

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. It is the policy of the State to preserve and promote historical and
cultural artifacts.

The Province of Marinduque is hereby declared as the Home of the Moriones Festival
which is celebrated every Holy Week. It started in Mogpog, Marinduque in 1807 as initiated
by its then Parish Priest, Father Dionisio Santiago. The tradition of celebrating the Moriones
Festival is centered on the story of Saint Longinus, a Roman centurion who has one blind
eye, but was miraculously cured when he pierced the side of the crucified Jesus Christ and
our Savior's blood restored Saint Longinus’ sight. The Moriones Festival is a re-enactment of
the biblical story of Saint Longinus. During the week-long celebration of the Moriones
Festival, the people of Marinduque wear colorful masks and costumes similar to the Roman
soldiers.

Sec. 2, The Department of Tourism (DOT) shall feature the Moriones Festival in its
overall tourism promotion program.

See. 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,