Legal basis and constitutional anchor
- The President issues Proclamation No. 124 by virtue of the powers vested in the President by law.
- The proclamation rests on the constitutional policy for government to support efforts to strengthen ethical and spiritual values and to develop the moral character of the Filipino people.
Policy statement and intent
- The proclamation recognizes the religious nature of the Filipino people and the elevating influence of religion in human society.
- The proclamation affirms that, while maintaining neutrality toward all religious communities, the government may pursue valid objectives secular in character even if there is an incidental result affecting a particular religion or sect.
- The proclamation emphasizes the Bible’s profound impact on the life of nations and its inspiration to people, including statesmen and social reformers, toward the betterment of fellow human beings.
- The proclamation directs national attention toward the importance of reading and studying the Bible for molding the spiritual, moral, and social fiber of citizens.
What the proclamation declares
- January of every year is declared as National Bible Month.
- National Bible Month culminates in the last week of January.
- The last week of January is declared as National Bible Week.
- The proclamation establishes a recurring annual observance focused on reading and studying the Bible.
Named signatories and formality
- The proclamation is signed by RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE as President.
- SALVADOR C. MEDIALDEA signs as Executive Secretary in witness whereof and for purposes of execution.
- The proclamation is executed in the City of Manila on January 5, 2017.
- The seal of the Republic of the Philippines is affixed to evidence official promulgation.
Repeal, separability, and related rules
- Proclamation No. 124 contains no separability, repealing, or sunset clause.