Manny Pacquiao, iconic Christian boxer and senator from the Philippines, wants a new holiday declared in his own country—a "National Bible Day."
Pacquiao is calling for a Bible Day even as he continues to push for the restoration of death penalty and strongly supports President Rodrigo Duterte's highly controversial war on dangerous drugs that has killed thousands of suspected drug traders and addicts.
Explaining the basis for his call, the popular lawmaker cited the Bible as the "foundation" of strong nation building, The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.
"The core of Christian belief is grounded on the Holy Bible. Sermons and homilies of Christian churches dwell in the teachings of the Bible. It is the primary source of spiritual manna. It forms and transforms lives of people from generations to generations," he said.
"It serves as the foundation of spiritual, moral, and social fiber, which molds a socially responsible citizenry and strong nation building," Pacquiao added.
He noted that 93 percent of the Philippine population is Christian, making the Philippines the largest Christian nation in Asia. He also said that many of the country's former presidents—including Ferdinand Marcos, Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos—have all recognised the significance of the Bible.
"This bill seeks to boldly emphasise the holiness of The Living Truth by allotting a holiday for its celebration on every last Monday of January, which shall be known as 'National Bible Day,'" Pacquiao said.
"This calls for all Christians to altogether unite and celebrate the Holy Bible as the cradle of the Christian faith."
Pacquiao warms up every time he talks about his Christian faith. In an April 2015 interview with The Christian Post, he stated that his boxing career and his entire life are based around serving God.
"I want them to know I fought for God and my country, to bring them honour and glory," the boxer said when asked what he wants his fans to know about him.
On why he's still into boxing even though much of his time is now spent as a senator, Pacquiao said: "I want to provide opportunities for my fellow countrymen that will improve their situations. As a politician, I want to help create jobs so that I can bring them out of their poverty. I want to give them hope. Boxing has been my passion, but public service is my calling."
