NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B.No,__3703

Introduced by Representative 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 Manalo 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 outside the Philippines was held in Honolulu,
Hawaii, USA in July 1968, This signaled the beginnings of its expansion all over the

world.

After more than a century since its foundation, the INC membership now
comprises 110 nationalities living in 100 countries and territories in all the continents
in the world, Aside from the United States of America where it has a strong
presence, the Church also has existing active congregations in Cuba, Mexico, Aruba,
England, Italy, Israel, South Africa and the Southeast Asian countries 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 after 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.’

This bill seeks to declare the INC foundation every July 27 of each year as a
special non-working public holiday to allow the millions of its members, together
with the Filipino people, to celebrate in a more appropriate manner this milestone in
the Church's 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.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is requested.

* Source of data on the history of the INC and its core values: www.incmedia.org


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B.No.__3703

Introduced by Representative 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 (27'") day of July of every year is hereby
declared a special national non-working holiday in commemoration of the founding
anniversary of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).

Sec, 2. Repealing Clause. - Section 26, Chapter 7, Book I of Executive Order
No. 292, as amended, pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 9645 and all other
laws, decrees, executive orders, and rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 3. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,