Senate bill seeks to declare Chinese New Year a holiday

MANILA, Philippines—A senator is seeking the immediate passage of a bill declaring Chinese New Year a special working holiday as a sign of “goodwill and amity” to China. Chinese New Year falls on February 3 this year.

Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada filed Senate Bill No. 550 in recognition of the “immeasurable contribution” of the Chinese-Filipino community in the country and to further strengthen Philippine-Chinese relations.

“The Chinese-Filipino community has always been one of the largest ethnic Filipino groups in the country comprising an estimated 22 percent of total population. They have made significant contributions in the form of investments, employment generation, community service, trade, volunteerism and socio-economic programs,” Estrada said in his explanatory note in the bill.

The Chinese-Filipino presence in the country, he said, has not only contributed to economic and trade relations between the Philippines and China but also with other Asian neighbors, bringing about an influx of investments and tourists into the country.

Estrada also pointed out that the various Chinese-Filipino businesses have been providing employment to the country's booming labor force.

“Their economic contribution, thus, cannot be quantified in terms of monetary benefits alone,” said the senator.

By declaring the day when Chinese New Year falls as a special working holiday, Estrada said the Philippines would be enhancing “the mutually beneficial relations between us and furthering the amity between our two nations.”

“In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought,” he added. (report by Maila Ager, Inquirer.net)