Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 1202)
Proclamation No. 1202 declares Tuesday, 26 January 2016, as a special (non-working) day in the City of Cadiz to celebrate the 42nd Dinagsa Festival.
The declaration was made by Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., Executive Secretary, by authority of President Benigno S. Aquino III.
A special (non-working) day means that employees are generally not required to work, but if they do, they are entitled to compensation as prescribed by labor laws, typically additional pay but not necessarily a full day’s pay unless otherwise provided.
The purpose is to give the people of Cadiz City the opportunity to fully participate and celebrate the 42nd Dinagsa Festival with appropriate ceremonies.
No, the proclamation specifying a special (non-working) day in this instance applies only to the City of Cadiz.
The Executive Secretary acts on behalf of the President in issuing proclamations and has the authority to declare holidays and special days as directed by the President.
The President derives this authority from the Constitution and relevant laws that grant the executive branch the power to declare holidays and special non-working days.
The Dinagsa Festival is a local cultural celebration in the City of Cadiz, which in this context is recognized officially with a special non-working day to allow full participation.
While the proclamation itself does not specify penalties, failure to comply with special non-working day rules may subject employers to penalties under the Philippine Labor Code and Department of Labor and Employment regulations.
Yes, employees working on a declared special (non-working) day are entitled to additional pay, typically 30% premium on their regular wage, according to Philippine Labor Code rules on holidays and special days.