Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 468)
Proclamation No. 468 declares Saturday, March 2, 2024, as a special (non-working) day in the Province of La Union to mark the celebration of its 174th Founding Anniversary.
A special (non-working) day is a day declared by the government during which work is suspended, and employees are generally given a day off without pay unless there is an applicable company policy or collective bargaining agreement stipulating otherwise.
Only the Province of La Union is affected by this declaration; it is not a nationwide special non-working day.
The President, through the Executive Secretary, has the authority to declare special (non-working) days under their general powers and practice as a means to promote local celebrations and commemorations.
No, Proclamation No. 468 does not specify any penalties for non-compliance with the declaration.
Under Philippine labor laws, if an employee works on a declared special (non-working) day, they are generally entitled to receive an additional compensation equivalent to at least 30% of their basic daily wage unless there is a company policy or collective bargaining agreement that provides otherwise.
The affixing of the seal of the Republic of the Philippines in the proclamation authenticates it as an official government document.
The declaration applies broadly but the observance depends on rules applicable to government offices and private employers, subject to Philippine labor laws regarding special non-working days.
Declaring the founding anniversary as a special (non-working) day allows the residents of the area to fully participate in the celebrations, fostering local pride and cultural identity.