Duterte signs law declaring ‘National Bible Day’ a special working holiday

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law declaring the last Monday of January every year as a special working holiday in observance of the National Bible Day.

Known as the National Bible Day Act, Republic Act 11631 — which was signed by Duterte last December 20 — will take effect 15 days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or at least two newspapers of general circulation.

“As a predominantly Christian nation and the largest Christian nation in the Asia Pacific, this Act recognized the value of the Holy Bible as the core of Christian faith,” the law read in part.