National Bible Day2026 · Date · History · Messages
Republic Act No. 11163 declares the last Monday of January every year as National Bible Day and a special working holiday throughout the Philippines. Senate legislative records identify Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao as the principal author/proposer of Senate Bill No. 1270 and record presidential approval on 20 December 2018.
About National Bible Day
National Bible Day is a statutory observance in the Philippines. Republic Act No. 11163 declares the last Monday of January every year as National Bible Day and makes it a special working holiday.
The statute uses explicitly Christian language about the Bible and the country’s religious context. This guide reports that legal framework without implying that people of other faiths or no faith are required to participate.
Why National Bible Day matters
National Bible Day is intended by the statute to recognize the Bible’s place in Christian faith and in the moral and spiritual framework described by the law.
“Special working holiday” is the legal status stated in Republic Act No. 11163; it should not be rewritten as a regular nonworking holiday. Employment effects should be checked under current Philippine labor and holiday rules for the relevant situation.
History of National Bible Day
Senate records show Senate Bill No. 1270 was introduced by Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, with Senator Joel Villanueva listed as co-author, and ultimately became Republic Act No. 11163.
Republic Act No. 11163 was approved on December 20, 2018. It established the recurring last-Monday-in-January rule for National Bible Day and designated it a special working holiday.
How the observance developed
This timeline uses documented milestones from reviewed sources. Missing stages are left out rather than guessed.
Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao
Senate records identify Pacquiao as the author of Senate Bill No. 1270; Senator Joel Villanueva is listed as co-author.
Congress of the Philippines / President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
Republic Act No. 11163 (National Bible Day Act)
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
4 fields not established in reviewed sources
How to Observe National Bible Day
People who choose to observe the day may read the Bible, attend a religious or community program, or discuss its history and influence.
Schools, workplaces and public institutions should follow applicable rules and respect freedom of belief and non-participation.
Use the law and current official announcements when discussing holiday status rather than assuming the day is nonworking.
When sharing religious material, be respectful of different beliefs and avoid presenting participation as compulsory.
National Bible Day Facts
Republic Act No. 11163 is the National Bible Day Act.
The law places National Bible Day on the last Monday of January every year.
The statute designates the day as a special working holiday.
The law was approved on December 20, 2018.
Senate legislative records identify Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao as the principal author of Senate Bill No. 1270.
National Bible Day Messages
Wishing those who observe National Bible Day a meaningful and respectful day of reflection.
May National Bible Day be marked with thoughtful reading, community and respect for different beliefs.
May the day encourage reflection while respecting both faith and freedom of conscience.
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
- Faith Context Respect.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
Lawphil — Republic Act No. 11163 (opens in a new tab)
National Statute
Senate of the Philippines Legislative Reference Bureau — Republic Act No. 11163 (opens in a new tab)
National Legislative Record
Senate of the Philippines — Senate Bill No. 1270, 17th Congress (opens in a new tab)
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Bible Day?
Last Monday of January (26 January in 2026) The documented recurrence rule is: Last Monday in January.
Does National Bible Day fall on the same date every year?
It follows a recurring calendar rule, so the Gregorian date can change from year to year.
Is National Bible Day an official public holiday?
Within the reviewed scope, it is identified as Philippines / statutory National Bible Day and special working holiday; religious participation is not compulsory. That status is not automatically extended to other countries or jurisdictions.
Who established or recognizes National Bible Day?
The reviewed sources identify Congress of the Philippines / President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as the proclaiming or establishing body. The proposer or originator is recorded separately as Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao.
Is National Bible Day international or country-specific?
This observance is specific to Philippines. Its fuller verified scope is: Philippines / statutory National Bible Day and special working holiday; religious participation is not compulsory.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-10-05.
When is National Bible Day in the Philippines?
Republic Act No. 11163 places it on the last Monday of January every year.
Is National Bible Day a nonworking holiday?
The statute calls it a special working holiday. Do not treat that wording as a regular nonworking holiday.
What law established National Bible Day?
Republic Act No. 11163, the National Bible Day Act, approved on December 20, 2018.
Who proposed the Senate legislation?
Senate legislative records identify Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao as the principal author of Senate Bill No. 1270, with Senator Joel Villanueva listed as co-author.
Does everyone have to take part in religious activities?
The law establishes the observance, but this guide does not imply compulsory religious participation. Respect freedom of belief and applicable institutional rules.
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