FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBlRl 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Though not yet officially recognized, Arnis has been widely accepted as the de facto 
Philippine National Sport in many regional as well as national athletic competitions. 
Modern Arnis is now also recognized as a distinct focus of martial arts, side by side with 
Karate, Judo, Taekwondo and the like, here and abroad. 
In the same manner that we have a National Anthem, a National Flag, a National Fruit 
and other national symbols that give the Filipinos an identity distinct from other people 
from different countries, it is only sound and logical that we also have a national sport 
that would set our athletes apart from other competing teams in International Sports 
Competitions. 
Not only will a declaration of a national sport give our athletes a national identity, it will 
also instill in our people a sense of nationalism, patriotism and national unity. 
Subsequently, this will give a recognition to a sport that has always been a part of the 
Philippine sports scene and an appreciation of the significance of this national symbol. 
Arnis is a sport that is indigenous and uniquely Filipino. Among the many games in the 
country, it can be considered as one of our national cultural gems that completely 
originated from the Philippines. 
This art was practiced primarily for self-defense by the Filipinos during the pre-Spanish 
period. While during the Spanish period, Arnis was used to fight against the Spanish 
invaders. The Filipinos stand against the superiorly armed adversaries in mortal combat 
in the areas of battle is now held in immortal inviolability by history. It would not be far- 
fetched to surmise that one of the earliest Filipino heroes, Lapu-Lapu, was an Arnis 
expert. 
The timing for the passage of this bill could never be more opportune, for this is the time 
when asserting our national identity is a collective sentiment of the Filipino. 
Thus, urgent approval of this bill is requested. 
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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
7 
AUG -1 
P6 :21 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBlRl 
AN ACT 
DECLARING ARNlS AS THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL SPORT 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. It is the policy of the State to inculcate patriotism, nationalism and 
appreciation of the role of national heroes and symbols in the historical development of 
the country. Furthermore, the State must give priority to education, science and 
technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate 
social progress, and promote total human liberation and development. 
SECTION 2. Arnis is hereby declared as the Philippine National Sport. The 
official adoption of arnis as the national sport shall'be promulgated by inscribing the 
symbol of arnis in the official seal of the Philippine Sports Commission. 
SECTION 3. The Department of Education and the Philippine Sports 
Commission shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the 
provisions of this Act. 
SECTION 4. Any provision of law, decree, executive order, rule or regulation in 
conflict or inconsistent with the provisions and/or purposes of this Act are hereby 
repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved,