Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 709)
Proclamation No. 709 declares Monday, 3 February 2014, as a special (non-working) day in the Province of Bulacan in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Blas F. Ople.
A special (non-working) day means that government offices and private entities in the specified area may observe the day as a holiday, but it is not a regular holiday, affecting work schedules and pay rules accordingly under Philippine labor laws.
Proclamation No. 709 was signed on January 16, 2014.
The Province of Bulacan is affected by Proclamation No. 709.
Blas F. Ople was a notable Filipino public servant who served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Senate President, and Secretary of Labor and was a native of Bulacan.
Under Philippine labor law, employees who do not work on a special (non-working) day are generally not entitled to receive pay unless there is a favorable company policy or collective bargaining agreement. If they work, they may be entitled to additional compensation.
No, Proclamation No. 709 applies only to the Province of Bulacan.
The purpose is to allow the people of Bulacan to commemorate the birth anniversary of Blas F. Ople with appropriate ceremonies and participation.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. signed the proclamation on behalf of President Benigno S. Aquino III.