Law Summary
Legal Basis and Authority
- The proclamation cites Republic Act No. 9177 as the legal basis for recognizing Eid al-Fitr as a regular holiday.
- The President of the Philippines exercised his powers to proclaim this specific date as a national holiday.
Significance and Observance
- Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by the Muslim community worldwide, marking the end of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan.
- The celebration traditionally spans three days.
- The declaration aims to promote cultural understanding and integration among Filipinos by allowing the wider population to participate or acknowledge the observance.
Purpose of the Proclamation
- To emphasize the religious and cultural importance of Eid al-Fitr within the national consciousness.
- To foster unity and respect for the Muslim community's traditions throughout the Philippines.
Formalization and Effectivity
- The proclamation was signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on July 10, 2014.
- The official seal of the Republic of the Philippines was affixed to formalize the declaration.
- The regular holiday status applies nationwide on the specified date.
Implications as a Regular Holiday
- As a regular holiday, government offices and many businesses generally observe the day off.
- Workers may be entitled to holiday pay and related benefits under Philippine labor laws on this day.
- It signals the state's recognition and respect for the Muslim faith and its important celebrations within the diverse Filipino cultural landscape.