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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Bill No. __724

INTRODUCED BY Rep. ZIAUR-RAHMAN ALONTO ADIONG

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The recognition of Muslim holidays in the Philippines dates back to Presidential Decree
No. 291, a groundbreaking declaration that symbolized a significant stride towards
inclusivity and respect for the cultural and religious practices of our Muslim brothers
and sisters. This decree played a vital role in healing generational wounds and
fostering a sense of belonging among Muslim Filipinos. It was a monumental step
towards building a lasting peace in the country, particularly in regions with significant
Muslim populations.

The original decree recognized the importance of Muslim holidays and allowed
for their observance, which helped bridge cultural gaps and promoted mutual respect
and understanding among different religious communities in the Philippines. This act
of recognition was not just about granting holidays but about acknowledging the rich
cultural heritage of the Muslim community and their rightful place in the national
fabric of our country.

In the years following the decree, the Philippines has made considerable strides in
the peace process, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (BARMM). The creation of the BARMM and the subsequent efforts to sustain
peace and development in the region necessitate an updated and comprehensive
legal framework that aligns with the current socio-political landscape. Hence, the
introduction of the "Muslim Holidays Act of 2024” is both timely and essential

The proposed bill not only reaffirms the recognition of major Muslim holidays such as
Eid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-Fitr but also introduces specific holidays that are of particular
importance to the Bangsamoro community. These include the Bangsamoro


Foundation Day and the Day of Shuhada, among others, which are celebrated in
recognition of the unique history and milestones of the Bangsamoro people.

Furthermore, the bill ensures that Muslim holidays are observed not just in the
BARMM but also in other provinces and cities with significant Muslim populations. This
inclusive approach underlines the commitment to uphold the rights and traditions of
Muslim Filipinos nationwide, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity.

The necessity of this new law lies in its ability to reflect the progress made in the
peace process and to institutionalize these cultural recognitions within the framework
of our legal system. By officially celebrating these holidays, this Congress would
reinforce the message of peace, respect, and solidarity, paving the way for a more
inclusive and harmonious Philippine society.

The "Muslim Holidays Act of 2024" is a necessary evolution of the original presidential
decree. It builds on the foundation laid by PD 291 and aligns with the ongoing efforts
to sustain peace and development in Muslim-majority regions. By codifying these
holidays into law, this Congress would continue to honor the cultural heritage of
Muslim Filipinos and reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful, inclusive, and united
nation.

As such, the approval of this Bill is earnestly sought.

REP. Z) MAN ALONTO ADIONG
1* District, Lanao del Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Bill No. 724

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ZIAUR-RAHMAN “ZIA” ALONTO ADIONG

AN ACT
REPEALING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 291, RECOGNIZING MUSLIM
HOLIDAYS AND PROVIDING FOR THEIR IMPLEMENTATION, AND
PROVIDING FOR THE RECOGNITION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF
MUSLIM HOLIDAYS

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

Section 1. TITLE. This Act shall be known as the “Muslim Holidays Act of 2024”

Sec. 2. MUSLIM HOLIDAYS. Muslim holidays shall be officially celebrated in the
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and such other Muslim
provinces and cities that may be created or declared to such.

Sec 3. LIST OF MUSLIM HOLIDAYS. The following are hereby recognized Muslim
holidays, as follows:

Regular Non-working Holidays

a) Eid-ul-Adha (Hariraya Haji) which falls on the 10th day of the 12th Lunar
month of Zull-Haj;
b) Eid-ul Fitr which falls on the 1st day of the 10th Lunar month of Shawwal; and

Spec Non-working Holidays
¢) Day of Arafah which falls on the ninth day of the 12th lunar month Dhu al-
Hijjah.
d) The 1st Day of Tashriq which falls on the eleventh day of the 12th lunar month
Dhu al-Hijjah.

Special Working Holidays
e) Muharram (Ashura) which falis on the 10th day of the ist Lunar month
Muharram;
f) Eid-e-Milad-un Nabi (Ascension) which falls on the 12th day of the 3rd Lunar
month Rabbi-Awwal;


g) Maulod-en-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday) which falls on the 12th day of the 3rd
Lunar month Rabbi-Awwal.

Sec 4. OBSERVATION IN OTHER LGUs. The foregoing Muslim holidays may also
be officially observed in other provinces and/or cities where a significant number of
Muslims reside or upon the request of the Muslim residents therein upon proclamation
by the President.

Sec. 5. MUSLIM HOLIDAYS IN THE BARMM. The following are hereby recognized
Muslim holidays to be recognized and celebrated exclusively in the Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, as follows:

Regular Non-working Holiday

a) Bangsamoro Foundation Day which falls on the 21st day of the month of
January.
b) Day of Shuhada which falls on the 18th day of the month of March.

Special Working Holiday

¢) Bangsamoro Day of Solidarity which falls on the 1st day of the month of
February.

d) Battle of Bud Daho Day which falls on the 6th day of the month of March.

e) Commemoration of the Signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the
Bangsamoro which falls on the 27th day of the month of March.

f) Battle of Bayang Day which falls on the 2nd day of the month of May.

9) Commemoration of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the 1976 Tripoli
Agreement which falls on the 2nd day of the month of September.

th) Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Day which falls on the 7th day of the month of
November.

i) Shariff Kabunsuan Day which falls on the 19th day of the month of December.

Sec 6. DETERMINATION OF DATES. The approximate dates of the above
enumerated Muslim holidays may be determined in accordance with the Muslim Lunar
Calendar or appearance of the moon or upon Islamic astronomical calculations,
whichever is possible or convenient: Provided, That the President shall be advised of
the approximate dates of the above Muslim holidays at the start of the calendar year
but not later than the 15th of January by the Muslim community and/or by the BARMM
Parliament in order that appropriate publication and announcement could be made
to correspond with the Gregorian-calendar.

Sec. 7. MUSLIM EMPLOYEES. All Muslim employees of the Government other than
in those places enumerated under Section 1 shall be excused from reporting to office
in order that they may be able to observe the above-mentioned Muslim holidays,
provided that the President may declare by Presidential Proclamation allowing
Muslims employed in private offices, agencies or establishments, to be excused from
reporting to work without decrease or reduction in their usual compensation or pay
during the duration of the Muslim holiday.


Sec. 8, APPROPRIATIONS. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this
‘Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 9. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. - Within sixty (60) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the National Commission for Muslim Filipinos shall
promulgate the rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this
Act.

Sec. 10.SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid
or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby
shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 11. REPEALING CLAUSE. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
rules and regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of
this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Sec. 12. EFFECTIVITY. - This Act shall take effect immediately following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,