National Masonic Day

THE TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE PHILIP RECEIVED REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session DA APR 2 1 20262 CD TIME: _ SENATE BY: 3. 1. PM BILLS & INDEX 2062 S. No. Introduced by Senator Camille A. Villar AN ACT DECLARING DECEMBER 19 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL WORKING HOLIDAY IN COMMEMORATION OF THE FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE PHILIPPINES EXPLANATORY NOTE Freemasonry is an international civic movement and the oldest among fraternal organizations. It was established in England in 1717, although its origins can be traced back to a medieval guild of stonemasons that built the historic European cathedrals. Historically, it has significantly contributed to nation-building in the Philippines. Its notable Filipino members include national heroes such as Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, and Emilio Aguinaldo. The organization has, in many times, proved its worth by producing such unique individuals whose ideals and actions shaped our nation. Since its involvement in the country, Freemasonry has consistently demonstrated its commitment to intellectual pursuit, brotherhood, integrity, and public service. The day of December 19, 1912, marked the formal establishment of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, otherwise known as the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. In commemoration of this historic foundation, and in recognition of the valuable role of Filipino Masons in our national history, as well as their continuing contributions to our country's current progress and future development, this bill seeks to declare the 19th day of December of every year as a special working

holiday in the Philippines. In view thereof, the approval of this measure is urgently sought. Camelecoris CAMILLE A. VILLAR

THE PHILIP RECEIVED THE SECRETA TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE OFFICE DAAPR 2 1 2026 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TIME: _ PM First Regular Session BY: _ 3:!! SENATE BILLS & INDEX 2062 S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Camille A. Villar AN ACT DECLARING DECEMBER 19 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL WORKING HOLIDAY IN COMMEMORATION OF THE FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE PHILIPPINES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. December 19 of every year is hereby declared as a special working

holiday in the entire country referred to as the "National Masonic Day" to 3 commemorate the establishment of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and 4 Accepted Masons of the Philippines on December 19, 1912, in Manila, and to 5 continuously inspire and instill a sense of charity and nationalism for the rich and noble 6 history of the Filipino nation.

Sec. 2. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the

Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,