Title
Supreme Court
Recognition of Muslim Holidays in Philippines
Law
Presidential Decree No. 291
Decision Date
Sep 12, 1973
Presidential Decree No. 291 recognizes Muslim holidays as part of Philippine national holidays in provinces and cities with predominantly Muslim populations, allowing Muslim employees to be excused from work and ensuring their compensation is not reduced during these holidays.

Law Summary

Recognized Muslim Holidays

  • Eid-ul-Adha (Hariraya Haji): 10th day of the 12th lunar month of Zull-Haj.
  • Muharram (Ashura): 10th day of the 1st lunar month Muharram.
  • Eid-e-Milad-un Nabi (Ascension): 12th day of the 3rd lunar month Rabbi-Awwal.
  • Eid-ul Fitr: 1st day of the 10th lunar month Shawwal.
  • Maulod-en-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday): 12th day of the 3rd lunar month Rabbi-Awwal.

Extension of Holiday Observance

  • These Muslim holidays may also be officially observed in other provinces or cities with significant Muslim communities.
  • Such extension requires a proclamation by the President, often upon a request from the Muslim residents.

Determination and Announcement of Holiday Dates

  • Holiday dates follow the Muslim Lunar Calendar and may be based on lunar observation or Islamic astronomical calculations.
  • Muslim communities or the Islamic Directorate of the Philippines must advise the President of approximate holiday dates by January 15 of each year.
  • This allows proper publication and announcement aligned with the Gregorian calendar.

Leave and Work Excusals for Muslim Employees

  • Muslim government employees outside the designated areas are excused from work on these Muslim holidays.
  • The President may declare similar leave benefits for Muslim employees in private sectors, ensuring no loss of pay or benefits during such holidays.

Administrative Oversight

  • The Office of the President supervises the implementation of the decree.
  • Rules and regulations are to be promulgated after consulting Muslim community leaders.

Repeal of Conflicting Laws

  • All laws, executive orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this decree are repealed or modified accordingly.

Effectivity

  • The decree takes effect immediately upon issuance.

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