Title
Prohibition of work on Sundays and holidays
Law
Republic Act No. 946
Decision Date
Jun 20, 1953
The Blue Sunday Law prohibits labor on specific holidays in the Philippines, with exceptions for certain establishments, and violations are subject to punishment including fines and imprisonment.

Law Summary

Ban on Construction, Repair, and Public Works on Specified Holidays

  • Construction or repair of buildings or other structures is prohibited on the same holidays and during the same period.
  • No public works are allowed on these days either.

Exceptions to the Prohibition

  • Hospitals, dispensaries, medical and dental clinics, and drug stores are exempted.
  • Stevedoring and arrastre operations, public utilities, and cargo loading/unloading are allowed.
  • Activities related to finishing and curing of fish, cattle raising and dairy, and poultry are excepted.
  • Amusement enterprises, printing and sale of periodicals, telecommunications, embalming and burial activities, domestic service, vehicle driving, restaurants, markets, fairs, and "talipapas," "tiangues," and "saods" or "tabos" are allowed.
  • Prohibited are cockfighting, Jai Alai games, horse racing, non-religious motion picture exhibitions, and theatrical performances specifically on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

Authority to Broaden Exceptions

  • The Secretary of Labor may broaden exceptions where work is indispensable and cannot be interrupted without causing serious prejudice or obstruction.
  • Decisions by the Secretary of Labor can be appealed to the President.

Emergency Work Permits

  • The municipal or city mayor, or their substitutes, may issue written permits for emergency work on specified holidays.
  • Such permits must be reported to the chief of police and municipal treasurer within five days.

Protection of Employee Compensation

  • Employers are prohibited from reducing employees' compensation due to the implementation of this Act.

Rules and Regulations

  • The Secretary of Labor is tasked with issuing necessary rules and regulations to enforce the Act.

Penalties for Violation

  • Violations may result in a fine up to one hundred pesos, imprisonment up to one month, or both.
  • Managers or acting managers of associations or corporations committing violations are criminally liable.
  • For government corporations, the managing head is liable unless the violation is by a person beyond their control.
  • Aliens committing a second violation shall be deported immediately.

Continuity of Related Laws

  • Existing laws governing cockfighting, horse racing, Jai Alai, games, and motion picture exhibitions remain effective except where specifically modified by this Act.

Effectivity

  • The Act takes effect ninety days after its approval.

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