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Senate OKs Pacquiao bill declaring National Bible Day


The Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill declaring the last Monday of January as “National Bible Day.”

Senate Bill No. 1270 filed by Senator Manny Pacquiao was approved with 18 affirmative votes Monday. No one opposed the measure.

The National Bible Day is a special working holiday in celebration of the Christian faith and observance of the teachings of the Holy Bible.

Pacquiao said that the holiday was necessary for the “betterment of the country through God-centered governance and people-centered services.”

“With the continuous increase in the population of Christianity in our country, I believe that the National Bible Holiday would become a catalyst that encourages the development of the moral character and spiritual foundation of every Filipino,” Pacquiao said.

“Let us [use] this opportunity to spiritually empower the Filipino people to open their hearts for utmost nation-building, unity and solidarity,” he added.

Senator Joel Villanueva, who later on became a co-author, also lauded the approval of the bill.

“We believe that the Word of God is essential in our daily lives as it serves as guidance in every path we tread,” Villanueva said.

According to Villanueva, the country’s population is comprised of 93 percent Christians —the largest Christian population in the Asia-Pacific and the fifth largest Christian population in the world. — Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez/RSJ, GMA News

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