Law Summary
Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day
- June 30 of each year is designated as Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day.
- The day commemorates cultural, historical ties, friendship, and cooperation between the Philippines and Spain.
- It is classified as a national special working holiday throughout the Philippines.
- It is a special non-working holiday specifically in Aurora Province.
Implementation
- The National Historical Institute (NHI) is tasked with implementing the provisions of the Act.
- The NHI is responsible for formulating and issuing necessary rules and regulations for the proper execution of the law.
Inter-agency Committee
- An Inter-agency Committee is created to organize commemorative activities for Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day.
- The Secretary of Foreign Affairs serves as Chairman.
- Co-Vice Chairmen include the Executive Director of the NHI and the Mayor of Baler, Aurora.
- Members consist of Undersecretaries from the Department of Education and Department of Tourism, one representative each from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the University of the Philippines History Department.
- The Philippine Ambassador to Spain and the Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines serve as ex officio members.
Appropriations
- An annual budget of Fifteen million pesos (Php15,000,000.00) is allocated for the celebration of Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day.
- Thirty percent (30%) of the budget is exclusively allocated for research and development.
- Subsequent necessary expenses will be included in the General Appropriations Act yearly.
Separability Clause
- If any part or provision of the Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Repealing Clause
- All existing laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect within fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.