Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.7125

Introduced by HON. ROGELIO D. PACQUIAO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

About ninety percent of the Philippine population is Christian, based on 2015 data of
the National Statistics Authority. This makes our country the largest Christian nation in the
Asia-Pacific, and the fifth largest in the world.

‘At the core of Christian belief is the Bible, its Holy Book. Sermons and Homilies of
Christian churches dwell in its teachings. It forms and transforms the lives of people across
generations. It serves as the foundation of spiritual, moral and social fiber, molding a socially
responsible citizenry and a strong nation.

The significance of the Holy Bible was recognized by former Presidents Ferdinand
Marcos, Corazon Aquino, and Fidel Ramos in Presidential Proclamations 2242, 44, and 1067,
respectively. These proclamations were instrumental in establishing the last week of January
of every year as the “National Bible Week”. This bill takes a step further, and seeks to
emphasize the holiness of The Living Truth by allotting a holiday for its celebration on every
last Monday of January, which shall be known as the “National Bible Day.” This calls for all
Christians throughout the archipelago to unite and celebrate the Bible as the cradle of faith.

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

ROGE! D. PACQUIAO

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7125

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. ROGELIO D. PACQUIAO,

AN ACT DECLARING THE LAST MONDAY OF JANUARY OF EVERY YEAR A
REGULAR HOLIDAY, TO BE KNOWN AS “NATIONAL BIBLE DAY”

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

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “National Bible Day Act.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to aid and encourage the
development of moral character and spiritual foundation of the Filipino people. As a Christian-
majority nation, this Act recognizes the value of the Holy Bible as the core of Christian faith.

Section 3. The National Bible Day. ~ The last Monday of January of every year thereafter is
declared the “National Bible Day,” and the same is hereby made a national regular holiday.

Section 4, Amendment to the Administrative Code. Section 26, Chapter 7, Book | of Executive
Order No. 292, otherwise known as “The Administrative Code of 1987,” as amended, is further
amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 26. Regular Holidays and Nationwide Special Days. ~

Unless otherwise modified by law, order, or proclamation, the following regular
holidays and special days shall be observed in the country:

Regular Holidays

New Year's Day January 1



NATIONAL BIBLE DAY MOVABLE DATE - LAST MONDAY
OF JANUARY

Maundy Thursday Movable 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
Nationwide Special Holidays

Ninoy Aquino Day Monday nearest August 21

All Saints Day November I

Last Day of the Year December 31

The terms “legal or regular holiday” 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.”

Section 5. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, issuances, rules
and regulations and any part thereof regarding national nonworking holidays which are

inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 6. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication

in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,