Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 348)
The legal basis is the Proclamation No. 348, dated September 18, 2023, issued by the Executive Secretary by authority of the President, which declares October 6, 2023, as a special (non-working) day in Mountain Province to celebrate the Provincial Indigenous People's Day.
October 6, 2023, is marked for the celebration of the Provincial Indigenous People's Day in Mountain Province.
Declaring a day as a special (non-working) day generally means that government offices, schools, and businesses may be closed, and employees are typically entitled to special holiday pay, subject to labor laws and company policies.
The Executive Secretary acts by authority of the President under the powers granted to the office by the Constitution and relevant administrative laws and rules on special holidays.
The declaration is specific to Mountain Province only, as stated in the proclamation.
The purpose is to give the people of Mountain Province full opportunity to participate in and enjoy the celebration of the Provincial Indigenous People's Day.
The President of the Philippines has the power to declare special holidays through proclamations, which may be delegated to the Executive Secretary to issue on the President's behalf.
The seal of the Republic of the Philippines is affixed to the proclamation to signify its authenticity.
A special (non-working) day entitles employees to half-day pay if they do not work, while a regular holiday generally guarantees a full day's pay even if employees do not work. The rules for payment differ according to the Labor Code and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) guidelines.