Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
‘Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No__ 4305

Introduced by HON. MOUAMMED HUSSEIN P_PANGANDAMAN

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Religious freedom is one of man’s basic rights in a democratic country. In a democratic
country, government's power emanates from the people. All acts of the government are focused on the
protection, welfare and interest of its people. The people are given the opportunity 10 live as they
choose within the bounds of law, elect their political leaders, chose and practice their own religion,
among others. These rights are protected and guaranteed by our Constitution.

The Philippines, which is considered the seat of Catholicism/Christianity in the Far

observes and celebrates Christmas with great significance culturally and traditionally. A closer scrutiny
of the important events regularly observed as holidays with bonuses, however, shows government's
favorable inclination and focus on the predominantly Catholic/Christian population neglecting and/or
overlooking the less popular Istam believers.

It is a consolation that the government declared the Eid'l Fitr and Lid'l Adha, two of the most
important Islamic holidays, as a regular holiday and a non-working holiday respectively. The Eid'l Fitr
or the “End of Ramadan” has been recognized by the Government by virtue of R.A. No. 9177, signed
into law on November, 2002

During Eid'l Fitr, Muslims visit their relatives, friends and acquaintances or hold large
communal celebrations in homes, community centers or rented halls. This celebration starts at the end
of the 9 month (Ramadan) and 2-3 days after of the 10° month (Shawwal) of the Islamic calendar with
absolute happiness and contentment far the ability to sacrifice for Allah, The aim of this festival is to
promote peace, strengthen the feeling of brotherhood and bring oneself back to the normal course of
life after a month-long period of self-denial and religious devotion through fasting.

Likewise, the Bid'l Adha was declared as a non-working holiday/national holiday, Proclamation
Number 60, under R.A. 9849. Fid'l Adba or the "Festival of Sacrifice" or "Greater Fid" is an important


religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness af Tbrahim
(Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma’il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah (God), before Allah
intervened to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead. The Greater Eid is also a three-day long
celebration for Muslims with their family, friends and relatives.

‘The declaration of these two significant Mustim events as regular non-working holidays is a
government effort to promote peace, harmony and unity to the religions especially the Muslims and
Christians in the Philippines. This is also one way of reaching out to the Muslim brothers and sisters
with the message that they are appreciated in their endeavors in nation-building and positive
contributions to the society and that their beliefs and practices take premium on the nation’s foothold.
To further emphasize the recognition and appreciation of the observance of these feasts by all Filipinos,
especially the government employees, an Act should be passed granting an incentive to all public
servants,

The opportunity to help is manifold. Extending bonuses and allowances by government and
other financial support through employers’ prerogative is strongly suggested

Aside from employer-given perks like the holiday/Christmas bonus, our Mustim national/local
govemment officials and employees may likewise be allotted special bonus identified with the
weeklong religious observance of the Eid’l Fitr and Eid'l Adha which involve days of prayers and
celebration.

This Act endorses and supports this speciat bonus lang awaited not only by our Muslim brothers
and sisters, but by every Filipino worker regardless religious faith or creed. It is of utmost significance
thal all Filipinos enjoy the same recognition. The democracy the Philippines often pride itself with
should also practice impartiality - truly a country

and free from prejudice and stereotypes

In view hereof, carly approval of this bill is earnestly urged

MOHAMMED P. PANGANDAMAN
Representative

1° District, Lanao Del Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4305

Introduced by HON. MOHAMMED HUSSEIN P_ PANGANDAMAN

AN ACT AUTHORIZING ANNUAL EID'L FITR/EID'L ADHA BONUS TO
NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES

Re it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representanives of the Philippines in Congress assembled.

SECTION 1. Short Title — This Act shalt be known as the Eid Bonus Act of 2011

SECTION 2. Coverage of this Act — Ail officials and employees of the National Government who have
rendered at least four months of service prior to the celebration of the Eid'l Fir Holiday of every year,
regardless of the nature of his/her appointment shall be entitled to an Eid'l Fite/Eid'l Adha Bonus (Eid
Bonus) equivalent to one half (1/2) of his/her basic salary and additional cash gift of TWO
THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (P2,500).

SECTION 3. Officials and employees of the National Government who have rendered tess than four
months of service prior to the celebration of the Bid'l Fite holiday of every year shall be entitled solely
to the following cash gift

Length of Service Amount
3 months but less than 4 months 1,500.00
2 months but less than 3 months P1,250.00
1 month but less than 2 months 1000.00
Less than one month 750.00

SECTION 4. Source of Fund - The amount needed to implement this Act for national officials and
employees, shall come from the budget of each agency under personal services. For the succeeding
years, the amount shall be included in their (agency, department) annual General Appropriations Act


SECTION 5. Alt officials and employees of local government units may receive the same benefits as
are provided under Sections 2 and 3 of this Act chargeable against their respective local funds. For,

local government units (municipalities, cities and provinces) may realign their budgets, pursuant to
Gantinn AAT fa\ fori) and fuiii) Af the Taal iqrornmant Fada af tha Dhikienin :
internal Revenue Allotment Funds to give priority to the funding requirements under this Act and any

deficiency may be booked as accounts payable to be paid on a first priority basis in succeeding years.

SECTION 6. No official or employee shail receive Eid Bonus from any and all sources in excess of
the ONE MONTH BASIC SALARY AND TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (P2,500)
cash gift

SECTION 7. Payment of the Kid Bonus — Such bonus shall be received by employee on the last cur-
off date of salary before the celebration of the Eid'l Adha Festival of every year

SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations — Within THIRTY (30) days from the approval of
this Act, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Department of Interior and Local
Government (1911.G) and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) shall issue the rules
and regulations 1o effectively implement the provisions of this Act

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause — All laws, rules and regulations that may be inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 10. Separability Clanse - If any of the sections or provisions of this Act is adjudged
invalid, all its other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force.

SECTION 11. £ffectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days afier its complete publication in
the Official Gazente or in at Jeast two (2) newspapers af generat circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Approved,