The House of Representatives approved on the third and final reading the bill that seeks to declare January 23 of every year a special working holiday to commemorate the declaration of the First Philippine Republic.
House Bill 477 was approved with a 256–1 vote prior to adjournment after the committee on revision of laws, chaired by Rep. Marlyn L. Primicias-Agabas (6th District, Pangasinan), endorsed the bill for plenary approval.
The bill, authored by Rep. Jose Antonio R. Sy-Alvarado (1st District, Bulacan), is a refiled proposal that was approved on third and final reading during the 16th Congress.
The bill commemorates the establishment of the First Philippine Republic, the first republic in Asia, on January 23, 1899 at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.
The proposed law mandates the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), in coordination with the Department of Education, to plan and implement activities for “The First Philippine Republic Day” and ensure that the significance of the historical event will continue to inspire and instill pride among Filipinos on the rich and noble history of the nation.
“The significance of January 23, 1899 is that the First Philippine Republic came into being as the sovereign choice of the people. It was a conscious choice to reject a dictatorial and revolutionary government and establish for all the future Filipino generations the groundwork for democracy,” said Sy-Alvarado.
The post House Okays Bill Marking Jan. 23 as First Philippine Republic Day appeared first on Manila Bulletin
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