Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

16" Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No.__ 5156

Introduced by HONORABLE MA. VICTORIA R. SY-ALVARADO-

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As the first republic in Asia, our country must be proud of our strong democratic and
republican ideals as a nation. It was 12 June 1898 when General Emilio Aguinaldo declared
the Philippines free from the yoke of foreign subjection, The upheaval of nationalistic fervor
Ieading to our independence was followed with cool and calm thought to make the gains for
Philippine democracy and republicanism more lasting and permanent through the enactment
of the first organic law for the Philippine Republic.

The significance of 23 January 1899 is the First Philippine Republic came into being as the
sovereign choice of the people. It is a conscious choice to reject dictatorial and revolutionary
government and establish for all the future Filipino generations the groundwork for
democracy.

It is therefore of much importance that we need to commemorate 23 January every year. As
the beginning of Filipino democracy and self: government, indigenously concluded,
magnifies the political maturity and readiness of our forefathers at the turn of that century.

Our beliefs and aspirations as a nation, united in pursuit for life, liberty and enjoyment of the
benefits of our democracy, is encapsulated by our rich and noble history. I hope that we can
give due recognition with this great feat and achievement of our forefathers in
commemorating 23 January as National Special Working Holiday.

For this reason, the adoption of this measure is most sought for.

HON. ‘VICTORIA R. SY-ALVARADO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Se:

HOUSE BILL NO.
Introduced by HONORABLE MA. VICTORIA R. SY-ALVARADO-

AN ACT DECLARING JANUARY 23 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL WORKING
HOLIDAY IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TO COMMEMORATE THE
DECLARATION OF THE FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC.

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

Sec. 1, Short Title ~ This Act shall be known as “First Philippine Republic Day”.

See 2. Special Working Holiday - January 23 of every year is hereby declared as “First Philippine
Republic Day” which shall be a Special Working Holiday in the entire country to commemorate the
declaration of the First Philippine Republic on January 23, 1899 held at the Barasoain church in the
City of Malolos, Province of Bulacan.

Sec, 2.a — Except for the Province of Bulacan where this historical event took place,
January 23 of every year should be observed as a “Special Non-Working Holiday”, therefore
classifying it as a regular local holiday in the province.

Sec. 3. Implementing Agency ~ The National Historical Commission in coordination with the
Department of Education shall plan and implement activities for “First Philippine Republic Day” and
ensure the significance of this historical event continue to inspire and unite the Filipino people in
pursuit for life, liberty and enjoyment of the benefits of our democracy, is encapsulated by our rich
and noble history.

Sec. 4, Separability Clause ~ If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the same shall
not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provision hereof.

Sec. 5, Repealing Clause — All laws decrees, orders, and issuances or portions thereof which are
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

See. 6. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in at least
two (2) newspapers of general circulation,

Approved;