House Minority Leader Benny Abante Jr. on Tuesday welcomed the passage on third reading of House Bill Number 6522 which declares January 16 of each year as “National Baptist Day,” a special working holiday that recognizes the beliefs and principles valued by baptists and Filipinos all over the country.
Abante, one of the principal authors of the measure said: “Ours is a people that embrace different beliefs, but are united in faith.”
“The country benefits from these constant reminders of the Bible and its teachings.”
“I believe it is only appropriate that we highlight this by commemorating special days that acknowledge the grace of our Father and the tenets of His believers.”
The lawmaker, a pastor of the Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church and Ministries, which he founded in 1975, said the country “benefits from these constant reminders of the Bible and its teachings, such as faith, hope, love, and charity.”
“These are lessons that are more important today, as our humanity and our goodness are challenged every day by the events unfolding around the world,” stressed Abante.
The legislator thanked the members of the House for supporting the measure, and expressed optimistism that it would soon be enacted into law.