By Paulo Loreto Lim

After President Rodrigo Duterte declared January as National Bible Month through an executive order last year, Senate Bill No. 1270, or the National Bible Day Act, authored by Senators Manny Pacquiao and Joel Villanueva, passed the Senate earlier this week.

Villanueva expressed his appreciation for the bill’s passage last Monday, saying, “We believe that the Word of God is essential in our daily lives as it serves as guidance in every path we tread.”

During a sponsorship speech last month, Pacquiao explained the bill would encourage the development of moral character and spiritual foundation, which he claimed is compliant with components of the Constitution, wherein it states the government must support efforts to strengthen ethical and spiritual values.

Pacquiao also suggested Bible-themed activities and programs should be conducted at schools, churches, government offices, and some media platforms, as part of the observance.

In his original proclamation, Duterte affirmed the government would remain neutral among religious sects./PLL, WDJ