PROCLAMATION NO. 359

: Proclamation No. 359 declares Monday, October 30, 2023, as a special (non-working) day throughout the Philippines to allow citizens to fully participate in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections held on that date.
: In Macalintal v. Commission on Elections (G.R. Nos. 263590, 263673, June 27, 2023), the Supreme Court ruled that the elections shall proceed as scheduled on the last Monday of October 2023.
: The purpose is to give the people the full opportunity to participate in the elections and exercise their right to suffrage without work-related hindrances.
: A special (non-working) day is a declared holiday where work is suspended for the day but may differ from regular holidays in terms of pay rules, generally intended to focus attention on a particular event or observance.
: It applies throughout the entire country of the Philippines.
: Employers are to observe the day as a non-working holiday, and employees are generally entitled to holiday pay or compensation as prescribed under Philippine labor laws for special non-working days.
: The Supreme Court's decision mandates that the Barangay and SK elections proceed as scheduled on the last Monday of October 2023, thus supporting the executive decision to set this special non-working day for full voter participation.
: Lucas P. Bersamin, the Executive Secretary, signed the proclamation on behalf of the President.
: The proclamation was signed on October 9, 2023, in the City of Manila.