By Leslie Ann Aquino
A Catholic prelate on Tuesday lauded the approval of a Senate Bill declaring September 8 as special Working Holiday.
Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga (CBCP / NICO BALBEDINA / MANILA BULLETIN)
"That is a very inspiring and interesting good news," Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said in a statement.
"It speaks truly about our Filipino natures of 'maka-ina’ and 'maka Diyos,’” he added.
Santos said the Senate rightfully did what Filipinos hold dear in their hearts.
"The Senate publicly manifested that our country is Marian, our country 'pueblo mas amante de Maria,’” he said.
"We at CBCP ECMI are very grateful and very appreciative for exemplary legislation of the Senate," added Santos.
"When we honour our Blessed Mother Mary, her Son Jesus Christ, our Lord will surely bless our land," he said.
Earlier, the Senate approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to declare September 8 as a special working holiday to commemorate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
House Bill No. 7856, known as An Act Declaring September 8 of Every Year a Special Working Holiday in the Entire Country to Commemorate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was approved with 19 affirmative votes, zero negative vote and no abstention.
READ MORE: Congress approves law declaring Mother Mary’s birthday a special working holiday