THE PALACE will review the implementation of the holiday economics law, or Republic Act (RA) 9492, on a case-to-case basis, an official said yesterday, after President Benigno C. Aquino III canceled the Aug. 23 holiday in commemoration of the death anniversary of his father, former senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr.
“We are not trying to repeal the holiday economics law… [It] is very clear that the President has the right to modify any holidays. So, based on the law itself, we will do it on a case-to-case basis,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a briefing yesterday.
Malacañang on Wednesday issued Proclamation 13 declaring a holiday on Aug. 21 in observance of Ninoy Aquino Day instead of Aug. 23 as provided for in Proclamation 1841 issued by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo based on RA 9492.
The law rationalized the celebration of holidays by moving them to the nearest Monday unless otherwise modified by law, order or proclamation.
Under study is the observance of National Heroes Day on Aug. 29, a Sunday, under Executive Order 292 series of 1987, which was moved to Aug. 30, said Mr. Lacierda, adding that another proclamation will be issued on the next holiday.
He said the President has consulted some Cabinet members, including Labor Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz, in issuing Proclamation 13.
“It has been the practice that if there’s a holiday, Monday is a non-working day. We are changing that idea. We are also looking at making ourselves more productive… If the first [working] day of the week is a vacation, it diminishes productivity for the rest of the week.”
Supportive
Sought for comment Francis C. Chua, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries president, supported the initiative of Mr. Aquino, saying: “Aug. 21 is the holiday and not really Aug. 23. By not declaring [Aug. 23] a holiday simply means that there is plenty of work to be done and many catching up to do.”
“Businessmen appreciate the gesture that is why we continue to support President Aquino,” he said in a text message.
He added that changing holidays shows little regard for contributions of heroes to the society.
For his part, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) secretary-general Ernesto T. Herrera said in a separate text message: “TUCP fully agrees with the Malacañang initiative.” — Ana Mae G. Roa, Businessworld
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
“Safety and health at work every day!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
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Monthly Observances:
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April – Month of Planet Earth
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Last Week of March: Protection and Gender Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week
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Mar 25 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transallantic Slave Trade
Mar 27– Earth Hour
Apr 21 – Civil Service Day
Apr 22 – World Earth Day
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