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MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

[ Proclamation No. 180, September 30, 1999 ]

DECLARING OCTOBER 10 TO 16 OF THIS YEAR AS PHILIPPINE, SENATE WEEK

WHEREAS, on 16 October 1916, pursuant to the provisions of the Philippine Autonomy Act, popularly known as the Jones Law of 1916, the Philippine Legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives was established, serving as the legislative body of the Philippines until it was succeeded by the National Assembly during the Philippine Commonwealth (1935-1946);

WHEREAS, when Philippine independence was granted in 1946, the bicameral Philippine Congress was re-established, sharing co-equal governmental powers with the executive and the judiciary until it was abolished when Martial law was declared on September 21, 1972;

WHEREAS, the world-renowned “people power” or EDSA revolution helped restore democracy in the country through the adoption of the 1987 Constitution, thus, reviving the bicameral Congress consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives;

WHEREAS, the Senate being the other Chamber in the legislative structure has become the training ground for national leaders and has, so far, produced seven Philippine Presidents;

WHEREAS, often described as a “great institution of democracy”, the vital role of the Senate in formulating social, economic and political policies to be implemented by the government must be underscored;

WHEREAS, it is important to commemorate the establishment of the Senate by setting aside a week this year to enhance the peoples understanding and promote their awareness of the Senate as an institution;

NOW, THEREFORE, I JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare October 10-16 of this year as Philippine Senate Week.1aшphi1

All departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, local government units, government owned or controlled corporations, the private sector, and the public at large are hereby enjoined to actively support the activities and programs for the Philippine Senate Week.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 30Th day of September, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and ninety nine.

(Sgd.) JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA

By the President:

(Sgd.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary

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