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Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 9851
Introduced by Representative LORDAN G. SUAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
AN ACT 
DECLARING JANUARY 9 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING HOLIDAY 
IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TO COMMEMORATE THE FEAST OF THE BLACK 
NAZARENE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
The Feast of the Black Nazarene, held annually on January 9th, is a deeply 
significant religious and cultural event for millions of Filipinos.  
The centuries-old tradition of the Traslacion, where the venerated image 
of the Black Nazarene is carried through the streets of Manila, draws devotees 
from all over the country and represents a powerful expression of faith, hope, 
and resilience. 
The feast is celebrated not only in the City of Manila but also in other parts 
of the countries. One of the biggest and regular celebrations is held in Cagayan 
de Oro City in Northern Mindanao.1 
The magnitude of the celebration necessitates significant logistical and 
security measures, potentially disrupting regular work schedules and hindering 
full participation. 
Recognizing the Feast of the Black Nazarene as a national holiday would 
allow Filipinos nationwide to observe the occasion with due reverence and 
participate in related activities. 
1 https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/cagayan-de-oro-takes-center-stage-nazareno-traslacion-2023/ 
January 31, 2024 
12:17 pm


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In light of the preceding, this bill’s approval is fervently sought. 
LORDAN G. SUAN 
Cagayan de Oro City – 1st District 


1 
Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 9851 
Introduced by Representative LORDAN G. SUAN 
AN ACT 
DECLARING JANUARY 9 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING HOLIDAY 
IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TO COMMEMORATE THE FEAST OF THE BLACK 
NAZARENE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
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 “Feast of the Black 
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Nazarene Act.” 
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SECTION 2. Declaration of State Policy. — (a) Recognizing the fundamental 
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right to religious freedom, the State promotes a society that accommodates 
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diverse beliefs, prohibits discrimination, and maintains neutrality in its functions. 
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(b) While respecting historical and cultural significance, the State may
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designate specific religious holidays or grant reasonable accommodations for 
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observance, considering public needs and avoiding religious endorsement. 
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SECTION 3. Feast of the Black Nazarene. — January 9th of every year is 
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hereby declared a special non-working holiday throughout the Philippines, to be 
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known as "Feast of the Black Nazarene Day.". 
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SECTION 4. Government Assistance. — The appropriate government 
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agencies and local government units shall be responsible for ensuring the 
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smooth observance of this holiday, including the provision of necessary security 
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and public safety measures during the Traslacion and other related activities. 
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SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive 
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orders, memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are 
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inconsistent with the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
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SECTION 6. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
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after its publication in the Official Gazette, in a newspaper of general circulation, 
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or on a website provided for by law.
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Approved,