Regulation of Office Hours During Ramadan
- A new Section 3 was introduced to regulate working hours for Muslim employees during the fasting month of Ramadan.
- Office hours for Muslim employees in national government, government-owned or controlled corporations, provinces, cities, municipalities, and other government instrumentalities shall be from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- This work schedule applies without lunch breaks or coffee breaks.
- No reduction in salary or wages shall occur due to this altered work schedule.
- This benefit is exclusively for employees observing the fast; employees not fasting are not entitled to this accommodation.
- Specific implementing regulations would be issued for the enactment of this provision.
Renumbering of Existing Sections
- Because the insertion of the new Section 3 caused reordering, the existing sections numbered 3 to 8 in PD 291 are renumbered as Sections 4 through 9 respectively.
Legal and Policy Context
- The amendment is grounded on the existing national policy recognizing and enforcing Muslim holidays to promote unity among Filipino citizens.
- The decree was issued under the authority of the Commander-in-Chief pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081 and General Orders issued in 1972.
Scope and Application
- The regulation applies to all Muslim employees in the national government and its instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations, as well as provincial, city, and municipal governments.
- It institutionalizes cultural and religious observance by recognizing Muslim holidays and adjusting work conditions during Ramadan without economic penalty to the employees.
Implementation and Enforcement
- The decree mandates the issuance of implementing rules and directives for both the recognition of Muslim holidays and the observance of Ramadan office hours.
- Ensures proper administration and compliance by concerned government offices.