SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
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'14 
11AY 13 P 3 :25 
SENATE 
S. B. No. 
2224 
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto 
AN ACT 
DECLARING JULY 27 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL NATIONAL NON-
WORKING HOLIDAY IN COMMEMORATION OF THE FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY 
OF THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO IN THE PHILIPPINES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) is a Christian religion founded in the Philippines by Brother 
Felix Y. Manalo when it established its first congregation in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila. On July 
27,1914, the INC was registered with the Philippine government. Brother Felix became the first 
Executive Minister who soon trained ministers to assist him in the propagation of the Church. 
The first ecclesiastical district was created in Pampanga ten years' after its foundation 
while its first worship service outside the Philippines was held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA in July 
1968. This signaled the beginnings of its expansion allover the world. 
After a century since its foundation, the INC membership now comprises 110 
nationalities living in 100 countries and territories in all the continents of the world. Aside from 
the United States of America where it has a strong presence, the Church has also existing active 
congregations in Cuba, Mexico, Aruba, England, Italy, Israel, South Africa and the Southeast 
Asian nations of Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia, among other nations. 
In the Philippines, the INC provides religious services through the 104 ecclesiastical 
districts all over the country. It is the third largest religion in the country afrer the Roman 
Catholic Church and Islam. 
The INC faith is anchored on Jesus Christ as depicted in the Holy Bible, which the 
members integrate in their day-to-day lives. The responsibility for the Church teachings rests in a 
centralized administration that instills discipline and unity of faith and practice in accordance 
with the Bible and Church rules. 
The INC emphasizes respect for human authority or the duly constituted government and 
directs its members to obey the laws. The INC promotes peace and order by teaching its 
members to obey rules and regulations and restricts them from joining organizations and unions 
that resort to violence and extra-judicial means to advance its causes.' 
• Source of data on INC history and core values: www.incmedia.org 
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This bill seeks to declare the INC foundation day every July 27 of each year as a non-
working special public holiday in order for the millions of its members and together with the 
Filipino people to celebrate in a more appropriate manner this milestone in the Church history. 
This holiday will recognize the ·contributions of the INC in nurturing the faith of the 
people as well as its part in fostering nation-building. This celebration will allow the members 
and our countrymen to draw inspiration from the faith and how it has developed them into good 
citizens of the country. 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'14 
MAY 13 P 3 :25 
,SENATE 
S. B. No. 2224 
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto 
AN ACT 
DECLARING JULY 27 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL NATIONAL NON-
WORKING HOLIDAY IN COMMEMORATION OF 'THE FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY 
OF THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO IN THE PHILIPPINES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. The twenty seventh (27th) day of July of every year is hereby declared a 
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special national non-working holiday in commemoration of the founding anniversary of the 
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Iglesia ni Cristo (INC). 
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SEC.2. Repealing Clause. -Section 26, Chapter 7, Book I of Executive Order 
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No. 292, as amended, pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 9645 and all other 
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laws, decrees, executive orders and rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with 
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the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
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SEC. 3. Efftctivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in the Qfficial Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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