NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 2592
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Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III
AN ACT
DECLARING THE 23rd OF JULY OF EVERY YEAR AS A 
SPECIAL DAY FOR THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 
“PHILIPPINES - JAPAN FRIENDSHIP DAY”
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines and Japan established formal diplomatic relations 
on July 23, 1956.
According to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, the 67- 
year-old bilateral relationship between the governments of Japan and 
the Philippines is now at a “golden age”.
Japan is the Philippines’ number one official development 
assistance (ODA) partner, whose support has contributed to projects in 
infrastructure development, investment readiness, disaster risk 
mitigation and management, food security, education, health, maritime 
safety, and peace and development in Mindanao.1 Last year, over 80 
Japanese employers sought to hire more Filipino workers citing 
“excellent work ethic and friendly disposition”.2
In recognition of the significant contributions of Japan to our 
country and the positive relations between our nations, this bill seeks
1 https://www.dof.gov.ph/japan-strengthens-development-cooperation-with-ph/
2 https://www.rappler.com/nation/overseas-filipinos/susan-ople-says-japanese-employers- 
seek-more-ski 11 ed-fi lipino-workers/


to designate July 23rd as a special day to celebrate the long-standing 
relationship between the Republic of the Philippines and Japan.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly 
sought.
O “KOKO” PIMENTEL III


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 2592
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24 mR-6 P5 :os
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RtCeViiD B-’:
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel HI
AN ACT
DECLARING THE 23rd OF JULY OF EVERY YEAR AS A 
SPECIAL DAY FOR THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 
“PHILIPPINES - JAPAN 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 Japan
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established their diplomatic relations on July 23, 1956. Therefore, the
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23rd of July of every year is hereby declared as a Special Day for the
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commemoration of the “Philippines - Japan Friendship Day”.
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SEC. 3. Implementing Agency. - The Department of Foreign
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Affairs (DFA) shall lead the Government in the commemoration and
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celebration of the “Philippines - Japan Friendship Day” annually, and
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on other special occasions like, but not limited to, the 75th and 100th
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year anniversaries.


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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,