tlh 
Senate
of ill? riftai'p
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
'22 DEC 14 P2 :20
RliCEIVED DV,
SENATE 
S. B. No. 1616
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
DECLARING THE SEVENTH DAY OF NOVEMBER OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL 
NATIONAL WORKING HOLIDAY IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST PHILIPPINE MOSQUE AND THE 
INTRODUCTION OF ISLAM IN THE PHILIPPINES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The presence of Islamic faith in the Philippines has immensely contributed to 
the enrichment, vibrance and diversity of the unique culture and civilization of our 
great Filipino Nation. Central and significant contributions of our Muslim forebearers 
cannot be discounted from the deep collective history of our people. As such, it is 
essential that due recognition be given to our brothers and sisters in the Muslim 
faith and be one with them in celebrating the commemoration of the introduction 
and proliferation of Islam in the Philippines.
On every 7th of November, our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate the 
anniversary of the coming of Arab missionary Shariff Karim'ul Makhdum and the 
building of the first Muslim prayer hall (langgal) in Bohe Indangan, Simunul island, 
Tawi-tawi. It was in this mosque where Islam was said to be first preached in Sulu 
in 1380, as propounded in the book of Dr. Cesar Adib Majul (1977, 1999) based on 
his and Dr. Najeeb Saleeby's (1905, 1908) readings of Sulu genealogical accounts 
(sarsila). It has been widely and uncritically accepted that the coming of the 
Makhdumin facilitated the systematization and formalization of most of the social 
infrastructures for the Islamic practice and propagation in the Philippines.
Some recognition towards this cause has already been made in the past, 
specifically during the 15th Congress wherein this representation filed House Bill No. 
409 which, under the legislative process, was thereafter ratified as Republic Act 
10573, or "An Act Declaring the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque, Considered as


the Site of One of the Oldest Existing Muslim Houses of Prayer or Mosques in the 
Philippines, at Tubig Indangan, Simunul, Province of Tawi-Tawi, as a National 
Historical Landmark and for Other Purposes". The said bill bears personal 
significance since its Senate counterpart was filed and authored by this 
representation's father, the late former Senator Edgardo J. Angara.
In the past, a regional law declaring the Sheikh Makhdum centennial 
celebration as one of the Islamic events entitled to a special non-working holiday 
was put into effect when, the now defunct Regional Government of the Autonomous 
Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), through its Legislative Assembly, passed the 
Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act (MMA) No. 17.
With the approval of this bill seeking to declare the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum 
Day as a special national working holiday, long overdue recognition to the 
contribution of Islam in the development of culture and civilization in our country will 
be staunchly expressed - signifying to our brothers and sisters in the Muslim faith 
that they are being accorded due and equal recognition by the national government.
For the above-mentioned reasons, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
SONNY ANGARA


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of tijf S' -ft;iq>
•22 OEC 14 P2 :20
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
RECEIVED BV.
SENAT1^1R 
B. No. lb lb
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
DECLARING THE SEVENTH DAY OF NOVEMBER OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL 
NATIONAL WORKING HOLIDAY IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST PHILIPPINE MOSQUE AND THE 
INTRODUCTION OF ISLAM IN THE PHILIPPINES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Sheikh Karim'ul
2 
Makhdum Day."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to instill inclusivity
4 
to all regardless of religious beliefs, in line with the constitutional right to freely
5 
exercise and enjoy their religion. Moreover, it is the State's policy to provide due
6 
recognition to the indispensable contributions of Muslim Filipinos in the development
7 
of Philippine culture and civilization.
8 
Sec. 3. National Holiday- Every seventh (7th) day of November hereinafter is
9 
hereby declared as "Sheikh Karim'ul Makhdum Day", a special national working
10 
holiday in commemoration of the establishment of the first Philippine Mosque, and
11 
the introduction of Islam in the Philippines.
12 
Sec. 4. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
13 
publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of general
14 
circulation.
Approved,