Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 532)
January 22, 2004, was declared a special working holiday throughout the Philippines to observe the beginning of the new year according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
The President of the Republic of the Philippines has the authority to declare a special working holiday, as exercised by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in this case.
The declaration was made by virtue of the powers vested in the President by law, allowing her to proclaim special holidays throughout the country.
It corresponds to the Chinese lunar calendar, marking the beginning of its new year.
It marks the beginning of the new year according to the Chinese lunar calendar and was determined to occur on January 22, 2004.
The purpose is to promote cultural understanding and integration by allowing the entire Filipino nation to join Chinese-Filipinos in observing and celebrating the Chinese lunar new year.
A special working holiday means that work is expected to continue; employees working on this day are generally entitled to additional compensation, but it is not a regular holiday when work is typically suspended.
The proclamation was also signed by Alberto Romulo, the Executive Secretary.
Workplaces and government offices continue operations as usual but observe the day as a special working holiday, meaning employees working that day may be entitled to holiday pay as prescribed by law.
The affixing of the seal signifies the official and formal effectivity of the proclamation as a government act.