PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure declaring September 8 as a special working holiday to commemorate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The holiday declaration honoring Mary in the predominantly Catholic nation was contained in Republic Act (RA) 11370 signed by Duterte on August 8.

Catholics believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was born free from original sin.

"September 8 of every year is hereby declared a special working holiday in the entire country to commemorate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary," RA 11370 reads.

Palace released a copy of the law on Wednesday, August 14.

On December 28, 2017, Duterte also signed RA 10966, declaring December 8 of every year a special non-working holiday nationwide to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)