Bills on 'Jesus Reigns National Day of Worship', 'Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Day' OK'd in House
At A Glance
- The House of Representatives has approved in plenary bills designating a "Jesus Reigns National Day of Worship" and a "Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Day".
The House plenary (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
The House of Representatives has approved in plenary bills designating a "Jesus Reigns National Day of Worship" and a "Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Day".
Overwhelmingly passed on third and final reading during plenary session Wednesday, Feb. 11 were House Bill (HB) No. 7368 and HB No. 7303.
Presidential son Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos shepherded the bills' approval in the 300-plus strong chamber in his capacity as majority leader.
Authored by Sarangani lone district Rep. Steven Chiongbian Solon and Rizal 2nd district Rep. Emigdio Tanjuatco lll, HB No. 7368--which declared Nov. 30 of every year as Jesus Reigns National Day of Worship--garnered 213 "yes" votes during nominal voting.
It received zero "no" votes and three abstentions.
According to Marcos, the proposed law would set aside a dedicated day that would allow Filipinos to express their devotion to Jesus Christ.
He said 90 percent of Filipinos are Christians and Catholics. The approval of the measure would be a welcome news to them, he noted.
The bill said that the celebration “started in the province of Cebu by the movement of Jesus Reigns in the Philippines as an expression of faith by religious communities that solidifies the values, moral and spiritual fiber of the Filipino people through worship and prayer for national transformation".
Meanwhile, HB No.7303 also attained final approval Wednesday, this time via nominal vote result of 214-0-3 (yes-no-abstain).
The bill declares Dec. 12 of every year as Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Day. It provides that the date be turned into a special working holiday.
Marcos said the proposed law would allow Filipinos to celebrate the feast of the Miraculous Lady of Guadalupe.
“She is known as a champion of the oppressed and the patron saint of the unborn. She is also a symbol of unity and social justice,” he said.
Marcos, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Bukidnon 3rd district Rep. Audrey Kay Zubiri, and Tarlac 3rd district Rep. Noel Rivera authored the bill.