Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 295)
The legal basis is Republic Act No. 9492, which amended Section 26, Chapter 7, Book I of Executive Order No. 292 (Administrative Code of 1987), and Proclamation No. 295, signed on November 24, 2011.
RA No. 9492 provides that holidays, except those which are religious in nature, are moved to the nearest Monday unless otherwise modified by law, order, or proclamation.
Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha are recognized Islamic national holidays, with the dates to be declared based on the Islamic calendar or astronomical calculations, informed by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.
The EDSA Revolution Anniversary on February 25, 2012, is declared a special holiday for all schools.
January 23, 2012, coinciding with the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, was declared a special non-working day to manifest solidarity with Chinese Filipino brethren and because it is a revered and festive event.
November 2, 2012, was declared a special non-working day following the traditional observance between All Saints Day (November 1) and the weekend to allow people to properly observe All Saints Day religiously and to facilitate travel.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is responsible for promulgating the implementing guidelines.
The President declares national holidays by virtue of the powers vested in him by the Constitution of the Philippines.
The proclamation takes effect immediately upon issuance.
The proclamation must be published in a newspaper of general circulation as provided by the proclamation itself.