Philippines - Russia Friendship Day

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 UG -7 P4:19 S.B. No. SEN F29 Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING THE 2ND OF JUNE OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL DAY FOR THE COMMEMORATION OF THE "PHILIPPINES - RUSSIA FRIENDSHIP DAY" EXPLANATORY NOTE The Philippines-Russia diplomatic relations were formally established on 02 June 1976. Since then, the bilateral relationship between the two nations has steadily progressed, driven by a shared interest in expanding cooperation in various key areas such as: trade and investment, defense and security, science and technology, culture and education, energy and infrastructure, among others. High-level visits and bilateral agreements have also played a crucial role in enhancing the mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries. The Philippines-Russia Friendship Day, celebrated annually on June 2, highlights the enduring relationship and serves as a platform for advancing solidarity and collaboration between both nations. In this regard, this bill seeks to officially declare June 2nd of every year as a special day to honor the flourishing relationship between the Philippines and Russia. Therefore, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought. Emce h. marca MEER. MARCOS

AUG -7 P4:19 TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) RECONDS REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session s.B. No. _ S N1129 Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING THE 2ND OF JUNE OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL DAY FOR THE COMMEMORATION OF THE "PHILIPPINES - RUSSIA FRIENDSHIP DAY" Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to pursue an

independent foreign policy in its relations with other States. It is also the policy of the State to put value to its existing bilateral relations with other States and to commemorate and celebrate these bilateral relations annually, and on their special occasions like the 50th, 75th, and 100th year anniversaries of the said bilateral relations.

SEC. 2. Diplomatic Relations. - The Philippines and Russia established their

diplomatic relations on 02 June 1976. Therefore, the 2nd of June of every year is hereby declared as a Special Day for the commemoration of the "Philippines - Russia Friendship Day".

SEC. 3. Implementing Agency. - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shall

lead the Government in the commemoration and celebration of the "Philippines - Russia Friendship Day" annually, and on other special occasions like, but not limited to, the 50th, 75th and 100th year anniversaries.

SEC. 4. Special Day Status. - The Special Day status of the date herein

referred to in Section 2 shall not affect its classification as either a working or a non- working day as determined by some other more specific law.

SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation

of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the DFA. Thereafter,

]i such amount necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, proclamations, rules and

regulations, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,