Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.__ 641

Introduced by CIBAC Party-List Representative
EDUARDO “BRO. EDDIE” C. VILLANUEVA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill, which has already been approved on Third Reading in the
19th Congress, seeks to declare August 9 of every year as Philippines-
Israel Friendship Day.

The measure commemorates the establishment of diplomatic
relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the State of Israel,
which finds historical roots in the compassionate act of then-President
Manuel L. Quezon, who signed Proclamation No. 173, calling on Filipinos
to welcome Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust.

This declaration not only honors a significant chapter in both nations’
shared history, but also reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment to
humanitarian values, international solidarity, and cultural understanding.
It_institutionalizes an annual observance that will be marked by
educational and cultural activities spearheaded by the Department of
Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the National Historical Commission of
the Philippines and other relevant government institutions.

The passage of this measure underscores the enduring friendship
between the Filipino and Jewish peoples, and further strengthens bilateral
relations built on mutual respect, cooperation, and historical goodwill.


In view of the foregoing, the enactment of this bill is respectfully

supported.

EDUARDO “BRO. EDDIE” C. VILLANUEVA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4
HOUSE BILL NO. 841

Introduced by CIBAC Party-List Representative
EDUARDO “BRO. EDDIE” C. VILLANUEVA

AN ACT DECLARING AUGUST 9 OF EVERY YEAR AS THE
PHILIPPINES-ISRAEL FRIENDSHIP DAY

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

SECTION 1. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to:

(a) Strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and
countries with which it has shared history, values, and
traditions; and

(b) Commemorate notable acts of bravery and compassion of the
Filipino people.

SEC. 2. The ninth of August of each year is hereby declared as the
Philippines-Israel Friendship Day to commemorate the establishment of
diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Israel, birthed from the
signing of Proclamation No.173 by President Manuel L. Quezon which
called on all Filipinos to welcome and help Jewish refugees who were
escaping the horrors of the Holocaust.

SEC. 3. The Department of Foreign Affairs is hereby mandated to
spearhead in collaboration with the National Historical Commission of the
Philippines, and all other government agencies and institutions the
conduct of activities in celebration of the Philippine-Israel Friendship Day


CONaneWwne

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and the implementation of projects and events promoting friendship and
cultural understanding between the Philippines and Israel.

SEC. 4. All laws, orders and issuances, rules and regulations and/or
parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,