Senator-elect Filipino Boxer Manny Pacquiao Proposes ‘National Bible Day’ For Philippines

By Rea Gabriel
Manny Pacquiao
Mar 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Manny Pacquiao during a press conference to announce his fight with Floyd Mayweather fight on May 2, 2015 at Los Angeles. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sport

Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao recently proposed a bill to observe every last Monday of January as the 'National Bible Day' for his country and be proclaimed as a national holiday.

Senate Bill No. 1270 states that as a country which is imbued with Christianity as its primary religion and as the largest Christian nation in the Asia Pacific, the holiday aims to distinguish the importance of the Holy Bible with regards to Christian faith.

"This bill seeks to boldly emphasize the holiness of The Living Truth by allotting a holiday for its celebration on every last Monday of January, which shall be known as 'National Bible Day,'" Senator Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao stated in the bill the large figure of Christians that is dominating the Philippines which estimates to a total of 93 percent of the Philippine population, according to Inquirer. This made the country the largest Christian population in the Asia-Pacific. The last census of the National Statistics Office recorded more than 74 million Filipinos who follow the Roman Catholic Church which roughly estimates to 80 percent of the population. The remaining percent consists of various Christian religions and cults.

The Philippines also holds the fifth spot of the largest Christian population in the world.

 "The core of Christian belief is grounded on the Holy Bible. Sermons and homilies of Christian churches dwell in the teachings of the Bible. It is the primary source of spiritual manna. It forms and transforms lives of people from generations to generations. It serves as the foundation of spiritual, moral, and social fiber, which molds a socially responsible citizenry and strong nation building," Pacquiao said.

The senator also reiterated the importance of the Holy Bible which was also recognized by higher authorities before him. Former President Ferdinand Marcos declared in Presidential Proclamation No. 2242 that the last Sunday of November be observed as a Bible Sunday which would be followed by a 'National Bible Week'.

This period of Bible holiday was changed by Former President Fidel Ramos in his Presidential Proclamation No. 1067 which stated that the Bible Week be observed on the last week of January.

Following the presidential proclamation of Ramos, Pacquaio said that the last Monday of January is in line with the Bible Week. He stated that this Bible holiday is a 'call' for Christians residing in the Philippines to unite, take part, and celebrate the Holy Bible which serves as the foundation of the Christian faith.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories