THE House committee on revision of laws approved a bill that seeks to declare the last Monday of January as a special working holiday for the celebration of the National Bible Day.
House Bill (HB) 7125, authored by Sarangani Representative Rogelio Pacquiao, declares as the policy of the State to aid and encourage the development of moral character and spiritual foundation of the Filipino people.
The bill stresses that as a Christian-majority nation, the Philippines recognizes the value of the Holy Bible as the core of the Christian faith.
“This bill calls for all Christians throughout the archipelago to unite and celebrate the Bible as the cradle of faith,” said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao cited in the bill that 90 percent of the Philippine population is Christian, based on the 2015 data of the National Statistics Authority (NSA).
This makes the country the largest Christian nation in the Asia-Pacific and the fifth largest in the world, noted the lawmaker.
“At the core of the Christian belief is the Bible, its Holy Book. Sermons, and Homilies of Christian churches dwell on its teachings. It forms and transforms the lives of people across generations. It serves as the foundation of spiritual, moral and social fiber, molding a socially responsible citizenry and a strong nation,” said Pacquiao.
The committee on revision of laws is chaired by Representative Marlyn Primicias Agabas. (SunStar Philippines)