Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.2488

Introduced by Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The positive effect of the proselytizing work of the Iglesia Ni Cristo on modern
Philippine society cannot be gainsaid. Its puritanical adherence to the teachings of
the Bible underpins moral renaissance and molds anew the Filipino psyche into
leading the basic Christian way of life. Heartening comments from disinterested
observers of the church are rife, thus:

“Why is it every time we get to talking about a strong and well-managed, disciplined
and powerful church, we invariably point to the Iglesia Ni Cristo?”

“We would even heave a sigh and wonder what makes the INC so influential.
What makes its members so committed and disciplined that they attend services
twice a week without fail?”

“The INC stands out like a rock of sobriety, unity and nationalism amid the
political and economic turbulence shaking the country today.”

“The INC does have discipline and its leaders do keep themselves very low-
key, something that we wish our own Catholic bishops would learn to do..."

“The Iglesia Ni Cristo has indeed set a good example to other church groups and non-
government organizations in extending assistance to our brothers and sisters in war-
tom places in Mindanao...

“Beyond ministering to the spiritual well-being of its members, the Iglesia Ni
Cristo optimizes compassion and concern even for those outside its fold.”

“Yet for all its magnificent temples and imposing edifices and other signs of
material wealth, the Iglesia has remained faithful to its mission as the church of the
Poor... its deeds in improving the life of its followers, both spiritual and physical, are
indelible tracks in Philippine religious movements.”®

“While we share your view that the Iglesia Ni Cristo has indeed made laudable
contributions in the care of the Filipino people...”

'Bodegon, Joel L., The Isaiah Paradigm, p. 116

2Editorial, Manila Bulletin, January 2, 2001

$ Paredes, Ducky, Malaya, February 19, 2003,

* Manila Bulletin, July 28, 2000

z Philippine Free Press: 1990-2000 The Philippines Century, pp. 214-215

‘ Villanueva, Robert C., Philippine Free Press, July 30, 1990

” Roman, Emerlinda R., Letter to former Rep. Winston Castelo, November 19, 2010


Furthermore, the whole of the nation stands to benefit from the church's
humanitarian program called Lingap sa Mamamayan (Aid to Humanity) whereby the
church extends assistance to individuals in distress regardless of their religion,
ethnic origin or stature in society.

Hence, this bill seeks to amend Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9645 declaring July 27
of every year as a special national non-working holiday to pay homage to the Iglesia
Ni Cristo and the commemoration of her founding anniversary in the Philippines.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this garnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 2488

ito Castelo

Introduced by Rep. Precious Hi

AN ACT
DECLARING JULY 27 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL NON-WORKING HOLIDAY IN
RECOGNITION OF THE FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO IN
THE PHILIPPINES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 3 OF REPUBLIC ACT
NO. 9645

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to observe
the founding anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo every 27" of July in recognition of its
exemplary feat of leading its members towards spiritual enlightenment and good citizenry
and its humanitarian gesture of caring for the Filipino people in distress.

SEC. 2. Amendment to Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9645:

Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9645 is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 3. National Holiday. — July 27 of every year is hereby declared as a special
national NON-WORKING HOLIDAY in commemoration of the founding anniversary of the
Iglesia Ni Cristo in the Philippines

SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. ~ Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation inconsistent with the
Provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 5. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

Approved,