Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 1254)
Proclamation No. 1254 declares December 1, 2021, a special (non-working) day specifically in the Municipality of Cainta, Province of Rizal, to allow the celebration of the Sumbingtik Festival.
The President of the Philippines, through an Executive Secretary acting by authority of the President, has the authority to declare special (non-working) days.
The purpose is to allow the residents of Cainta to fully participate in the celebration of the Sumbingtik Festival with appropriate ceremonies and observance of health protocols.
No, the proclamation specifically requires observance of community quarantine, social distancing, and other public health measures during the celebrations.
A special (non-working) day is a holiday when work is generally suspended but where, if employees work, they are entitled to compensation under special conditions dictated by labor laws.
On special (non-working) days, employees who do not work are not entitled to pay, unless there is a favorable company policy or collective bargaining agreement. If they work, they are usually entitled to additional compensation.
Salvador C. Medialdea, the Executive Secretary, signed the proclamation on behalf of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Because these proclamations affect labor rights, employee compensation, and local governance, understanding them aids in interpreting laws on holidays, labor standards, and executive powers.
The Sumbingtik Festival is commemorated by the declaration.