TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
(©ffitp of tl)r ;&rc;ctnrp
25 AUG-7 P6:12
RECEIVED BY:
Senate Bill No. 1152
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
ACT DECLARING AUGUST 9 OF EVERY YEAR AS THE 
PHILIPPINES—ISRAEL FRIENDSHIP DAY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The bilateral relations between the Republic of the Philippines and Israel are 
deeply rooted in history, mutual respect, and a long-standing tradition of friendship 
and cooperation. In 1937, the former President Manuel L. Quezon welcomed 1,300 
Jewish refugees fleeing from the tragedies brought by the Holocaust through the 
country's "Open Door Policy."1 Indeed, the Philippines lives up to its reputation as a 
hospitable nation that willingly welcomes, cares for, and empathizes with its friends, 
neighbors, and visitors. The late President urged on all Filipinos to warmly receive 
refugees and instructed the government to assist them.2 This act occurred well before 
the Philippines enacted Commonwealth Act No. 613, or the "Philippine Immigration 
Act of 1940," and became a State party to the 1951 Refugee Convention in 1981.3
In 1947, the State of Israel was officially established through the adoption of the 
United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181 on November 29, 1947. Thirty-three 
(33) countries voted in favor of said resolution, including the Philippines.4 Further 
strengthening the bond between the Philippines and Israel, the two countries formally 
established diplomatic relations in 1957 with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship.
1 
UNHCR. Remembering our humanitarian legacy with 'Safe Haven: Jewish Refugees in the Philippines. Published 
on 10 February 2020. Available at https://www.unhcr.org/ph/news/remembering-our-humanitarian-legacy- 
safe-haven-jewish-refugees-philippines (Accessed on 2 July 2025).
2 
Ibid.
3 
Ibid.
4 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 1947: The international community says YES to the establishment of the State of 
Israel. Published on 29 November 2021. Available at https://www.gov.il/en/pages/the-international- 
community-says-yes-to-the-establishment-of-the-state-of-israel (Accessed on 2 July 2025).
1


Subsequently, the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israeli Embassy in Manila 
were opened in 1962.5
In 2009, Israel built an Open Doors Monument at the Holocaust Memorial Park 
in Rishon Lezion, Israel to recognize and express their gratitude to former President 
Manuel L. Quezon and the Filipino people for the Open Doors Policy. The monument 
was designed by Filipino artist Luis "Junyee" Yee Jr. It has three (3) open doors, in 
increasing heights, symbolizing the courage and humanitarianism of the Filipino people 
in providing a haven to Jewish refugees.6
To strengthen the trade and investment relationship between the two nations, 
both countries signed the Philippines-Israel Investment Promotion and Protection 
Agreement (IPPA) on June 7, 2022.7 This agreement formalizes their mutual 
commitment to promote and protect direct investments for the benefit of both nations. 
This bilateral economic cooperation ventures opportunities for both countries through 
exploring and strengthening investments in agriculture, health, water management, 
information and communication technology (ICT), cybersecurity, fintech, defense 
industry, smart transportation, smart manufacturing, and diamond industry 
development.8 Moreover, according to the data from the Israel's Economic & 
Commercial Mission in 2022, the bilateral trade of the Philippines and Israel amounted 
to USD534 million in goods. Exports to the Philippines were pegged at over USD300 
million, which consist of electronics, defense-related items, agriculture, chemical 
fertilizers, and medical device.9
In commemoration of both nations' steadfast and unwavering commitment to 
continue harmonious and peaceful diplomatic relations, the declaration of the 
Philippines-Israel Friendship Day on August 9 of every year is being proposed to 
provide an opportunity to deepen such ties and explore ways to further strengthen 
cooperation between the two nations.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
JOEI^LLANUEVA^l^
5 
Israel Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines. History of Philippine-Israel Relation. Available at 
https://www/.iccp.ph/about-us/history-of-philippine-israel-relations/ (Accessed on 2 July 2025).
6 
PCO. President Duterte offers wreath at Open Doors Monument in Israel. Published on 5 September 2018. 
Available at https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/president-duterte-offers-wreath-at-open-doors-monument-in- 
israel/ (Accessed on 2 July 2025).
7 
DFA. Philippines and Israel Sign Investment Promotion Agreement Published on 13 June 2022. Available at 
https://dfa.gov.ph/dfa-news/news-from-our-foreign-service-postsupdate/30652-philippines-and-israel-sign- 
investment-promotion-agreement (Accessed on 2 July 2025).
8 
Ibid.
9 
ABS-CBN. Israel eyes raising trade with PH to $1 billion in 2024. Published on 5 June 2023. Available at 
https://www.abs-cbn.eom/business/06/05/23/israel-eyes-raising-trade-with-ph-to-l-billion-in-2024 (Accessed 
on 2 July 2025).


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
Senate Bill No.
of tijf ,#;rr;rt3r;>
25 AUG-7 P6:12
RECEIVED BY;
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
ACT DECLARING AUGUST 9 OF EVERY YEAR AS THE 
PHILIPPINES—ISRAEL FRIENDSHIP DAY
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to
2 
strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and countries with which it has
3 
shared history, values, and traditions, and to commemorate notable acts of bravery
4 
and compassion of the Filipino people.
5 
SEC. 2. Philippines-Israel Friendship Day. - It is hereby declared that
6 
the Ninth day of August of each year shall be the Philippines-Israel Friendship Day.
7 
This day shall commemorate the establishment of the diplomatic relations between
8 
the Philippines and Israel that birthed from the signing of Proclamation No. 173 by
9 
President Manuel L. Quezon, which opened the doors of the country and called on
10 
all Filipinos to welcome and help Jewish refugees who were escaping the horrors of
11 
the Holocaust.
12 
SEC. 3. Implementation. - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is
13 
hereby mandated to spearhead the celebration, in collaboration with the National
14 
Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and other relevant government
15 
agencies and institutions. The DFA shall also lead the implementation of projects


1 
and events promoting the friendship and cultural understanding between the
2 
Philippines and Israel.
3 
SEC. 4. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is
4 
declared unconstitutional, the remainder hereof or any provisions not affected
5 
thereby shall remain in force and effect.
6 
SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
7 
executive order, letter of instruction, rule, or regulation inconsistent with the
8 
provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingiy.
9 
SEC. 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
10 complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,