Question & AnswerQ&A (BSP CIRCULAR NO. 844)
The President, through the Executive Secretary, has the authority to declare special (non-working) days in the Philippines by issuing proclamations.
It was declared to give the people of Negros Oriental the opportunity to show respect and participate in the interment ceremonies of Governor Roel Ragay Degamo, who passed away on March 4, 2023.
The Office of the Governor of Negros Oriental requested the declaration.
On a special (non-working) day, work is generally suspended except for urgent or necessary work; employees are typically entitled to certain pay rules under Philippine labor laws, but these vary depending on the specific declaration and applicable labor regulations.
The Executive Secretary issued the proclamation by authority of the President and affixed the seal of the Republic, making the declaration official and legally binding.
The proclamation itself references the death and serves as the legal basis for the declaration; the death certificate would be the primary document evidencing Governor Degamo's passing.
The Office of the President of the Philippines, through the Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, executed the formal declaration.
It is applicable only in the Province of Negros Oriental.
The power is derived from the President's authority under the Constitution and existing labor and administrative laws allowing the Executive to declare holidays and special days for public welfare and order.
Generally, businesses may suspend work without pay; however, employees who work on such days may be entitled to premium pay as prescribed by the Labor Code and related regulations.