EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session ) [> © RECEIVED,
= gare: AU
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1. No, 3441

Introduced by Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto
6th District of Batangas

AN ACT
DECLARING JULY 27 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL NATIONAL Ni
WORKING HOLIDAY IN COMMEMORATION OF THE FOUNDIN
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 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
ity for the Church teachings rests

members integrate in their day-to-day lives. The responsi
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
ilestone in the Church’s history.

people, to celebrate in a more appropriate manner thi

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 app§3

‘VILMA SANTOS-RECTO

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


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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE. )

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
wB.No._ 2441

Introduced by Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto
6th District of Batangas

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 | 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,