Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 703)
The authority to declare a special (non-working) day is vested in the President of the Philippines, who may issue such declarations through the Executive Secretary as in this case.
A proclamation issued by the President or through the Executive Secretary, such as Proclamation No. 703, is the legal document used to declare a special (non-working) day.
The proclamation officially establishes that day as non-working, which may affect labor and employment conditions such as payment of wages, holiday pay, and employee rest periods under Philippine labor laws.
This proclamation applies specifically to the City of Batangas only, not nationwide.
The feast day of the patron saint Sto. Niño and the holding of a Tourism and Cultural Day were cited as the reasons for the declaration.
Declaring a special (non-working) day allows affected employees to observe the day without work obligations, often entitling them to receive additional compensation or special holiday pay, depending on labor regulations.
Yes, businesses in the declared area may need to adjust their operations in accordance with the special (non-working) day status, including employee attendance and payroll compliance.