Islamic Holidays as National and Regional Holidays

Section 2 amends Section 26, Chapter 7 of Executive Order No. 292 (the Administrative Code of 1987) on Regular Holidays and Nationwide Special Days.
Section 2 states that regular holidays and special days shall be observed in the country unless modified by law, order, or proclamation.
Section 2 lists these regular holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1), Maundy Thursday (Movable Date), Good Friday (Movable Date), Eidul Fitr (Movable Date), Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9), Labor Day (May 1), Independence Day (June 12), National Heroes Day (Last Sunday of August), Bonifacio Day (November 30), Christmas Day (December 25), and Rizal Day (December 30).
Section 2 lists these nationwide special holidays: All Saints Day (November 1) and Last Day of the Year (December 31).
Section 2 expressly provides that Eidul Adha shall be celebrated as a regional holiday in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Section 1 allows determination of the approximate dates using the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or lunar calendar.
Section 1 allows determination of the approximate dates using Islamic astronomical calculations.
Section 1 directs that the applicable method is whichever is possible or convenient.

Section 3 places implementation of the Act under the supervision of the Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA).
Section 3 requires the Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA) to promulgate rules and regulations pursuant to the provisions of the Act.
Section 3 permits the Grand Mufti to submit suggestions regarding the rules and regulations for consideration by the Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA).

Section 4 repeals or modifies, as the case may be, all laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, issuances, rules, and regulations—or any part thereof—inconsistent with the provisions of the Act.
Section 4 makes the repeal or modification subject to inconsistency with the Act’s provisions.

Section 5 provides that the Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
Section 5 ties effectivity to publication completion, not to approval date.

The Act is Republic Act No. 9177, titled “Islamic Holidays as National and Regional Holidays.”
The Act is approved on November 13, 2002.
The Act is effective fifteen (15) days after complete publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
The Act amends Section 26, Chapter 7 of Executive Order No. 292 by changing the holiday scheme governing Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha.
The Act states it is a consolidation of House Bill No. 4373 and Senate Bill No. 2026 and indicates final passage by the House of Representatives on September 2, 2002 and by the Senate on August 6, 2002.