Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session.

2069

HOUSE BILL NO.

Sponsored by: Congressman BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Since the beginning of time, immorality; unrighteousness; hatred; lack
of discipline; riotous living; covetousness; corruption; disrespect to law,
authority and parents; lust for money, identity, power and influence; poverty,
among others, have engulfed the world, wrecking families, destroying
relationships, sowing disorder, and even bringing down leaders and

governments.

This is very true in our country, despite the Constitutional declarations
that: “the State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and
shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and
social well-being” (Sec. 13, ‘art. TL Constitution); “All educational
institutions shall teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical
and spiritual values, develop moral character and personal discipline
(Secs, 3(1) and (2), Art. XIV, constitution; and “at the option expressed in
writing by the parents or guardians, religion shall be allowed to be taught
to their children or wards in public elementary and high schools” (Sec. 3(3),
Art. XIV, Constitution.


While we have earned the identity of being the only ‘Christian’
nation in Asia, it seems that we have not truly appreciated the relevance,
importance and power of one Book, called the Bible — a literary masterpiece,
the best seller of all books in the world, and the only book that contains a
truly lasting solution to man’s and society’s problems. This is the only book
that tells about Eternal Life. If, therefore, religion is allowed to be taught in
public elementary and high schools, and if such literary works as Homer’s
Jliad and Odyssey are being read and studied in school, with more reason
that the Bible which teaches creation, science, and history, among others,
should be tead and studied in elementary and high schools. God has
declared: “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life:
and they are they that testify of me” (Jn. 5:39, KJV); “All scripture is given
by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Ti. 3:16); and “And these
words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart”, “And thou
shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when
thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when.

thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:6,7, KJV).

If only the Bible is read, proclaimed, obeyed and practiced, the
Philippines, our beloved and only Country, would be a much better place to
live in, and our government would be a government of honesty,
tighteousness and order. If only Biblical discipline, principles and standards
are taught and inculcated in the minds of our children, there would be no

much problems on leadership, governance, and peace and order.

The immediate passage of this Bill is, therefore, earnestly pleaded.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon city

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, _ 2088

Sponsored by: Congressman BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR.

AN ACT

MAKING BIBLE READING MANDATORY IN ALL PUBLIC
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the Mandatory Bible
Reading Act of 2019.

SEC. 2. Statement of Policy. — Consistent with the Constitutional
declarations that: the State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-
building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, and
social well-being; and educational institutions shall teach the rights and
duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral
character and personal discipline, and encourage critical and creative
thinking, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to make Bible reading a
part of the curriculum for public elementary and high school, under the firm
belief that the best stage to mold and strengthen the youths’ moral, spiritual,


ethical, intellectual and social character, and personal discipline, is in the
elementary and high school levels, and the conviction that the Bible is a
book of righteous instructions, principles and standards, discipline, and a

book of moral and spiritual values.

SEC. 3. Mandatory Bible Reading. - The subjects English and
Pilipino, in public elementary and high school, shall include the reading of,
and discussion and examination on, the Bible: Provided, that in the case of
our Muslim pupils and students, such subjects shall include the reading of,
discussion and examination on, the Koran.

SEC. 4. Rules and Regulations. — Within thirty (30) days form the
effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of Education shall
promulgate the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act which shall be effective and implemented

starting on the immediately following school year.

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules and
regulations, and other issuances inconsistent with this Act are hereby

repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
SEC. 6. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days

following its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general

circulation.

Approved,