Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 1353)
Proclamation No. 1353 declares Monday, August 20, 2007, as a special (non-working) day, November 30, 2007, and December 30, 2007, as regular holidays throughout the Philippines, pursuant to RA No. 9492 on national holidays.
RA No. 9492 rationalizes the celebration of national holidays by amending Section 26, Chapter 7, Book 1 of Executive Order No. 292 (The Administrative Code of 1987) to declare specific or movable days as special or regular holidays.
August 20, 2007, was declared a special (non-working) day while August 21, 2007, remained a working day, although activities for 'Ninoy Aquino Day' were observed on August 21, 2007, to maintain the traditional date of celebration.
No, Bonifacio Day (November 30, 2007) was not moved to the nearest Monday because it already fell on a Friday, which complies with RA No. 9492's objective of setting holidays on Mondays.
Rizal Day (December 30, 2007) was not moved because December 31, 2007, was already a special (non-working) day under RA No. 9492, making the move unnecessary.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is tasked with promulgating implementing guidelines for Proclamation No. 1353.
Proclamation No. 1353 took effect immediately upon its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
A special (non-working) day means employees are generally not required to work and if they do, they may be entitled to additional compensation under Philippine labor law.
Yes, although August 20, 2007, was declared a special non-working day, all celebrations and activities for 'Ninoy Aquino Day' continued to be observed on August 21, 2007, which remained a working day.
Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita signed Proclamation No. 1353 by authority of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.