NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 2642
tell
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24 APR 22 P3S1
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III
AN ACT
DECLARING THE 26th OF JUNE OF EVERY YEAR AS A 
SPECIAL DAY FOR THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 
PHILIPPINES - FRANCE FRIENDSHIP DAY”
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EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines and France established their bilateral relationship 
on June 26, 1947. Our countries have engaged in regular high-level 
visits and consultations, demonstrating our commitment to maintaining 
open channels of communication and cooperation.
In 2022, total trade between the Philippines and France grew to 
USD 1.8 billion, up by 23 percent, from its 2021 level of USD 1.5 
billion. In particular, Philippine exports to France were up by nearly 50 
percent from USD 514 million in 2021 to USD 756 million in 2022.1
Last November 2023, the Philippines and France marked a 
notable advancement in their diplomatic relations with the successful 
conclusion of the third Philippines-France High-Level Political 
Consultations Meeting held in Paris. Both countries underscored their 
shared belief and respect for the UN Charter, sovereignty, 
multilateralism, and peaceful settlement of international conflicts 
which makes a strong basis for the partnership.2
1 https://www.dti.gov.ph/archives/ph-france-bolster-economic-cooperation-during-10th-jec-meeting/
2 https://dfa.gov.ph/dfa-news/dfa-releasesupdate/33708-philippines-and-france-forge-stronger-diplomatic-bond-
for-future-collaboration


This bill seeks to dedicate June 26th as a special day to honor the 
long-standing relationship between the Republic of the Philippines and 
the French Republic.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly 
sought.
KOKO” PIMENTEL III


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 2642
of I'.'f 
'•«ar.’’
24 RPR 22 P3 51
Ri-CEivtoev _
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel HI
AN ACT
DECLARING THE 26th OF JUNE OF EVERY YEAR AS A 
SPECIAL DAY FOR THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 
“PHILIPPINES - FRANCE FRIENDSHIP DAY”
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State
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to pursue an independent foreign policy in its relations with other
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States. It is also the policy of the State to put value to its existing
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bilateral relations with other States and to commemorate and celebrate
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these bilateral relations annually, and on their special occasions like the
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50th, 75th, and 100th year anniversaries of the said bilateral relations.
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SEC. 2. Diplomatic Relations. - The Philippines and France 
established their diplomatic relations on June 26, 1947. Therefore, the 
26th of June of every year is hereby declared as a Special Day for the 
commemoration of the “Philippines - France Friendship Day”.
SEC. 3. Implementing Agency. - The Department of Foreign 
Affairs (DFA) shall lead the Government in the commemoration and 
celebration of the “Philippines - France Friendship Day” annually, and 
on other special occasions such as the 100th year anniversary.


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SEC 4. Special Day Status. - The Special Day status of the date 
herein referred to in Section 2 shall not affect its classification as either 
a working or a non-working day as determined by some other more 
specific law.
SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current 
appropriations of the DFA. Thereafter, such amount necessary for the 
continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual 
General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, 
proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, which are 
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified 
accordingly.
SEC. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,