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

Fifteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3705

Introduced by Hon. Winston “Winnie” T. Castelo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The positive effect of the proselytizing work of the Iglesia Ni Cristo on modern Philippine
society cannot be gainsaid. Its puritanical adherence to the teachings of the Bible
underpins moral renaissance and molds anew the Filipino psyche into leading the basic
Christian way of life.. Heartening comments from disinterested observers of the church
are rife, thus:

“Why is it every time we get to talking about a strong and well-managed, disciplined and
powerful church, we invariably point to the Iglesia Ni Cristo?”

“We would even heave a sigh and wonder what makes the INC so influential. What
makes its members so committed and disciplined that they attend services twice a week
without fail?”!

“The INC stands out like a rock of sobriety, unity and nationalism amid the political and
economic turbulence shaking the country today...’

“The INC does have discipline and its leaders do keep themselves very low-key,
something that we wish our own Catholic bishops would learn to do...”*

“The Iglesian Ni Cristo has indeed set a good example to other church groups and non-
government organizations in extending assistance to our brothers and sisters in war-torn
places in Mindanao...”*

“Beyond ministering to the spiritual well-being of its members, the Iglesia Ni Cristo
optimizes compassion and concern even for those outside its fold.”*

“Yet for all its magnificent temples and imposing edifices and other signs of material
wealth, the Iglesia has remained faithful to its mission as the church of the poor... its
deeds in improving the life of its followers, both spiritual and physical, are indelible
tracks in Philippine religious movements.”®

“While we share your view that the Iglesia Ni Cristo has indeed made laudable
contributions in the care of the Filipino people...””

* Bodegon, Joel L., The Isaiah Paradigm, p. 116

? Editorial, Manila Bulletin, January 2, 2001

° Paredes, Ducky, Malaya, February 19, 2003

“ Manila Bulletin, July 28, 2000

5 Philippines Free Press: 1990-2000 The Philippines Century, pp. 214-215,
Villanueva, Robert C., Philippine Free Press, July 30, 1990

7 Roman, Emeriinda R., Letter to the Author, November 19, 2010


Furthermore, the whole of the nation stands to benefit from the church’s humanitarian
program called Lingap sa Mamamayan (Aid to humanity) whereby the church extends
assistance to individuals in distress regardless of their religion, ethnic origin-or stature in

society.

Hence, this bill seeks to amend section 3 of Republic Act No.9
of every year as a special national non-working holiday in hdnor of the Iglesia Ni Crit
and the commemoration of her founding anniversary in the Philippines.

——————
INSTON\“WINNIE” T. CASTELO


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

Fifteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No_3'705

Introduced by Hon. Winston “Winnie” T. Castelo

AN ACT DECLARING JULY 27 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL
NON-WORKING HOLIDAY IN RECOGNITION OF THE FOUNDING
ANNIVERSARYOF THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO IN THE PHILIPPINES,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 3 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9645

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

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known and cited as the “Commemoration
of the Founding Anniversary of Iglesia Ni Cristo Act’.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy — It is the declared policy of the State to observe
the founding anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo every 27" of July in recognition of its
exemplary feat of leading its members towards spiritual enlightenment and good
citizenry.

Section 3. Amendment to Republic Act No. 9645:
Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9645 is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 3. National Holiday. — July 27 of every year is hereby declared as a special
national NON-WORKING HOLIDAY in commemoration of the founding anniversary of
the Iglesia Ni Cristo in the Philippines.

Section 4. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation to or inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

Section 5. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect immediately upon approval.

Approved,