2008 Regular and Special Holidays Proclamation

The proclamation is issued under the President’s powers vested in me by law (WHEREAS clause).
Republic Act No. 9492 (dated July 24, 2007) rationalizes national holiday celebration by amending Section 26, Chapter 7, Book 1 of Executive Order No. 292 (the Administrative Code of 1987) (WHEREAS clause).
R.A. No. 9492 provides that holidays, except those religious in nature, are moved to the nearest Monday unless otherwise modified by law, order or proclamation (WHEREAS clause).

The proclamation declares that May 1 (Labor Day) is a cherished workers’ tradition and institutionalized national holiday (WHEREAS clause).
The proclamation aims to enable a more meaningful observance of Christmas and New Year, and to strengthen ties among Filipinos (WHEREAS clause).
The proclamation orders the additional non-working days needed for these observances (WHEREAS clause).

Section 1 directs the observance in the country of the following regular holidays and special (non-working) holidays for 2008.
The proclamation lists Maundy Thursday as March 20 (Thursday).
The proclamation lists Good Friday as March 21 (Friday).
The proclamation lists Araw ng Kagitingan as April 7 (Monday), Monday nearest April 9.
The proclamation lists Labor Day as May1 (Thursday).
The proclamation lists Independence Day as June 9 (Monday), Monday nearest June 12.
The proclamation lists National Heroes Day as August 25 (Monday), Last Monday of August.
The proclamation lists Bonifacio Day as December 1 (Monday), Monday nearest November 30.
The proclamation lists Christmas Day as December 25 (Thursday).
The proclamation lists Rizal Day as December 30 (Tuesday).
The proclamation lists Ninoy Aquino Day as August 18 (Monday), Monday nearest August 21.
The proclamation lists All Saints Day as November 1 (Saturday).
The proclamation declares additional special (non-working) days as December 26 (Friday) and December 29 (Monday).
The proclamation declares Last Day of the Year as December 31 (Wednesday).

Section 2 provides that a proclamation declaring a national holiday for Eidul Fitr shall be issued after the appropriate date is determined.
The appropriate date of Eidul Fitr is determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient (Section 2).
Section 2 requires the Office on Muslim Affairs to inform the Office of the President of the day the holiday falls.

Section 3 requires the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to promulgate implementing guidelines for the proclamation.

Section 5 mandates publication of the proclamation in a newspaper of general circulation.