Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 312)
The President of the Philippines, through an Executive Secretary or relevant authority, has the power to declare special (non-working) days by issuing proclamations such as Proclamation No. 312.
January 13 was chosen because the original date, January 15, 2012, falls on a Sunday, which is already a non-working day, and the local mayor requested the change to allow fuller participation in the City's celebrations.
The special non-working day coincides with the feast of San Pablo's patron saint, St. Paul the First Hermit, the 416th founding anniversary of its parish, and the 17th Coconut Festival and Street Dancing Competition (Mardi Gras).
The City of San Pablo was the only locality affected by Proclamation No. 312 declaring the special non-working day.
A special (non-working) day is a holiday where work is generally suspended, but unlike regular holidays, employees may not be entitled to pay if they do not work. It is declared by the government to commemorate significant events or celebrations.
The proclamation is issued by the Executive Secretary by authority of the President of the Philippines, Benigno S. Aquino III, thereby exercising executive power.
It is an example of a localized special non-working day declaration that applies specifically to the City of San Pablo, not nationwide.
The declaration mandates that work is generally suspended for the day, allowing citizens to participate in events or ceremonies. It also affects pay rules for workers depending on their employment contracts and labor regulations.
Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., the Executive Secretary, signed the proclamation on behalf of the President.