PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed Republic Act (RA) 11163, declaring the last Monday of January every year a special working holiday in observance of National Bible Day.

Duterte signed RA 11163 on December 20 last year, as he acknowledged that the state's policy was for government to aid and encourage development of the Filipino people's "moral character and spiritual foundation."

"As a predominantly Christian nation and the largest Christian nation in the Asia Pacific, this Act recognizes the value of the Holy Bible as the core of Christian faith," RA 11163 read.

"The last Monday of January and every year thereafter is hereby declared as 'National Bible Day' and proclaim the same as a special working holiday," it added.

The Palace released a copy of the newly-signed law on Thursday, January 10. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)