Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 55)
The elections were postponed due to the delay in the delivery of election paraphernalia caused by Typhoon Juan, the unavailability of schools used as evacuation centers, and some isolated instances of election violations.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued Resolution No. 908 requesting the President to declare October 26 and 27, 2010, as Special Non-Working Holidays in the affected barangays.
President Aquino III used the powers vested in him by law to issue the proclamation declaring the special non-working holiday.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010 was declared as the Special (non-working) Holiday.
The special non-working holiday was observed in 2,418 barangays across various regions, provinces, municipalities, and cities in the Philippines.
Declaring a Special (non-working) Holiday gives people in the affected barangays the fullest opportunity to participate in the elections and exercise their right to vote by allowing them a day off from work to vote.
Barangays in regions including CAR, I, II, III, IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, CARAGA, and ARMM were declared special non-working holiday areas.
The Commission on Elections is responsible for specifying the barangays in the affected municipalities and cities where the special non-working holiday will be observed, ensuring that voters can participate in the Special Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
The proclamation took effect immediately upon its issuance on October 26, 2010.