Purpose and Rationale
- The holiday commemorates the birth anniversary of Francisco Balagtas.
- It is intended to pay homage to the cultural and literary contributions of Balagtas.
Legal Authority and Effectivity
- The declaration is made pursuant to the powers vested in the President of the Philippines by law.
- It is officially promulgated through Proclamation No. 938.
Scope of Application
- The designation of April 2, 2020, as a special working holiday applies nationwide in the Philippines.
Administrative Process
- The proclamation was signed by the President, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, and countersigned by the Executive Secretary, Salvador C. Medialdea.
- The formal issuance includes the affixation of the seal of the Republic of the Philippines, indicating official enactment.
Legal and Practical Implications
- As a special working holiday, the day remains a regular workday, but it is set apart to recognize historical and cultural significance.
- This status may affect pay rules as provided under existing labor laws, typically involving premium pay for work rendered on such days, subject to applicable regulations.
Date and Place of Issuance
- The proclamation was issued in Manila on April 1, 2020.