Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 1)
Proclamation No. 1 dated December 30, 1953, declares Thursday, December 31, 1953, as a special public holiday in the Philippines.
The declaration was made considering that December 30, 1953, (Wednesday) and January 1, 1954, (Friday) were already holidays; thus, December 31, 1953, (Thursday) was declared specially to avoid prejudice to the public interest.
In this context, a special public holiday refers to an additional day declared by the government where public offices and institutions may be closed or adjusted to recognize the holiday status.
The proclamation text does not specify any penalties for non-compliance.
The special public holiday is prospective, declared on December 30, 1953, for the following day, December 31, 1953.
The Executive Secretary, Fred Ruiz Castro, attested the proclamation document by signing it alongside the President, thereby formalizing its issuance.
While the proclamation declares a special public holiday, it implies that government offices will observe the holiday. Private institutions' observance is subject to company policies or labor laws but typically follows government holidays.
This indicates that the proclamation was made in the eighth year since the Philippines gained independence, marking historical context and national pride.