Villanueva hails approval on 2nd reading of 'National Bible Day' bill

Senator Joel Villanueva on Tuesday hailed the Senate approval on second reading of a bill declaring every last Monday of January a special working holiday to observe the 'National Bible Day'.

"We welcome the passage of the 'National Bible Day' bill on second reading. We believe that the Word of God is essential in our daily lives as it serves as guidance in every path we tread," Villanueva said.

Senate Bill No. 1270 or the 'National Bible Day Act' authored by Villanueva and Sen. Manny Pacquiao seeks to boldly emphasize the holiness of The Living Truth by allotting a holiday for its celebration.

"We want to call all Christians to come together and observe the teachings of the Holy Bible," Villanueva said.

The country's population is comprised of 93% Christians --the largest Christian population in the Asia-Pacific and the fifth largest Christian population in the world.

President Rodrigo Duterte previously declared January of every year as "National Bible Month" and every last week of January as "National Bible Week" by virtue of Proclamation No. 124.

"We thank our colleagues for supporting this measure, and giving due importance about reading and studying the Holy Bible," Villanueva said.