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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 5252

Introduced by HONORABLE STELLA LUZ A. QUIMBO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare July 27 of every year as a special national non-
working holiday in the Philippines.

Currently, our country recognizes and celebrates eleven (11) national regular
holidays'. Among these, Christmas Day (December 25), Maundy Thursday
(Thursday before Easter), Good Friday (Friday before Easter) and Eid ul-Fitr (end of
Ramadan) were declared as such not only because of their religious significance
but in recognition of the contributions of these faiths and their members to our
national identity, culture, values and development.

Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ), with membership of more than five
percent (5%) of the country’s population, is considered to be the third largest
religious order, having around 4,800 INC churches and local congregations.?
Moreover, the INC has members in around 100 countries across the globe.
Notably, despite their immeasurable contributions to the nation and the enactment
of Republic Act No. 9645, July 27, the founding anniversary of the Iglesia ni Cristo
remains to be recognized merely as special national working holiday. As such, the
law is remiss in providing the Iglesia ni Cristo and its members the appropriate
acknowledgment and recognition they deserve.

‘Through this bill, it is hoped that we can give full recognition to the Iglesia ni
Cristo and its members for their contribution to our national identity, culture,

' Republic Act No, 9492 or “An Act Rationalizing the Celebration of National Holidays Amending for the
purpose Section 26, Chapter 7, Book I of Executive Order No. 292, as amended, otherwise known as
"The Administrative Code of 1987”.

2 “MAP: Iglesia ni Cristo in the Philippines.” Rappler website, July 27, 2014
<hittp:/;www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/6439 |-map-iglesia-ni-cristo-population-philippines, accessed
September 09, 2019>

Ibid.


values and development. This bill was originally filed by Cong. Romero “Miro” S.
Quimbo and was approved on the third reading in the 17% Congress.

In view thereof, the expedient approval of this bill is strongly recommended.

LUZ A. QUIMBO
Representative
Second District, Marikina City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5251
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HONORABLE STELLA LUZ A. QUIMBO

AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9645, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
THE “COMMEMORATION OF THE FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF
IGLESIA NI CRISTO ACT”, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9645, otherwise known as the
“Commemoration of the Founding Anniversary of the Iglesia ni Cristo Act” is
hereby amended to read as follows:

“Sec 3. National Holiday. - July 27 of every year is hereby
declared as a special national (working) NON-WORKING holiday in
commemoration of the founding anniversary of the Iglesia ni Cristo in
the Philippines.”

Section 2. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules, regulations,
ordinances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby

repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 3. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
upon its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,