Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 205)
The President of the Philippines has the authority to declare special (non-working) days, and such declarations can be effected through the Executive Secretary by the President's authority.
A special (non-working) day allows people in the specified area to have time off from work to participate in celebrations or commemorations, such as a city's founding anniversary, without mandating a regular holiday pay unless specified otherwise.
The declaration affects the City of Isabela in the Province of Basilan.
Tuesday, 25 April 2023.
Lucas P. Bersamin, the Executive Secretary, signed the proclamation by authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
A special (non-working) day is typically a non-mandatory holiday where work is suspended but does not generally require premium pay unless agreed upon, whereas a regular holiday mandates additional pay rates as per the Labor Code.
It was declared a special (non-working) day to allow the people of City of Isabela to celebrate and participate in the Founding Anniversary with appropriate ceremonies.
Workers who do not work on special (non-working) days are not entitled to any pay unless there is a favorable company policy or collective bargaining agreement; if they work, they are usually entitled to additional compensation as prescribed by law or agreement.
The Executive Secretary issues proclamations on behalf of the President, including declarations of special (non-working) days, and affixes the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to give them legal effect.