QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 9880)
It is an official presidential proclamation (issued by authority of the President) that declares a specific date—Saturday, 05 September 2020—as a special non-working day within the territorial jurisdiction (City of General Santos, South Cotabato). Its effect is to require compliance by concerned establishments and government offices with regard to closure/non-operation for that day, subject to applicable rules on essential services and public health measures.
Saturday, 05 September 2020.
The City of General Santos, Province of South Cotabato.
To allow the people full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the City’s 53rd Inauguration Day and the 22nd Tuna Festival, subject to community quarantine, social distancing, and other public health measures.
It explicitly states that participation and ceremonies are subject to community quarantine, social distancing, and other public health measures, reflecting that the declaration is made with pandemic-related restrictions in mind.
While it declares a non-working day, it also signals that the allowable activities (including ceremonies) must comply with public health protocols; thus, government and private parties must align observance with prevailing health regulations.
It was signed on August 25, 2020 and “Done in the City of Manila” on that date, pursuant to the text’s formal requirements.
It indicates formal issuance as an official act of the government under the President’s authority, consistent with the ceremonial and constitutional formalities for proclamations.
The City’s 53rd Inauguration Day and the 22nd Tuna Festival; the proclaimed non-working day is intended to provide opportunity for participation in those civic and cultural celebrations.
Whether the establishment is exempt as an essential service or falls within categories that may remain operational despite a special non-working day, and whether labor compliance (including pay rules for work performed on special days) must be observed.
Government offices are generally expected to observe non-working status unless exempt (e.g., essential services). Private entities may also be guided to close or adjust operations, but actual outcomes depend on applicable labor regulations and exemptions for essential work.
Publication in the Official Gazette is important for legal reference and dissemination; it allows students and practitioners to locate the authoritative text of the proclamation for compliance and interpretation.