Tuesday, February 19, 2008 Feb. 25 declared a holiday
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday declared February 25 as a special non-working day nationwide for the observance of the 22nd anniversary of the Edsa People Power 1 revolution.
Arroyo, in signing Proclamation No. 1462, said the entire nation should be given the opportunity to observe the "milestone" in the country's history, which has a theme this year of "Kapayapaan at Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Kaunlaran."
"The historic event, which restored and ushered political, social, and economic reforms in the country, serves as an inspiration to Filipinos everywhere as we continue to chart our collective course as a nation and as a people," she said.
Arroyo also signed Proclamation No. 1463, which lists the regular holidays and special non-working days for year 2008.
The order is in compliance with Republic (RA) Act 9492, which "rationalizes" the celebration of national holidays. The law provides that holidays, except those that are religious would have to be move to the nearest Monday unless otherwise modified by a law or presidential order.
Under Proclamation No. 1463, the regular holidays are: Maundy Thursday (March 20); Good Friday (March 21); Araw ng Kagitingan (April 7, which is the nearest Monday to April 9); Labor Day (May 1); Independence Day (June 9, the nearest Monday to June 12); National Heroes Day (August 25, last Monday of August); Bonifacio Day (December 1, nearest Monday to November 30); Christmas Day (December 25); and Rizal Day (December 30).
Arroyo said Labor Day would still be celebrated on May 1 because it has been a "long cherished tradition of workers which trade unions fought very hard for to institutionalize in the country and an international event that workers want to celebrate on the exact date."
She said the special non-working holidays are: Ninoy Aquino Day (August 18, the nearest Monday to August 21); All Saints' Day (November 1); December 26 and 29, as special non-working days; and December 31, because it is the last day of the year.
She said December 26 and 29 were declared as "additional special non-working days" so that Filipinos would have a "more meaningful observance of Christmas and New Year to strengthen their ties with one another."
She said the observance of Eid Il Fitr, which is the end of Ramadan, would be declared upon the recommendation of the Office of Muslim Affairs based on the Islamic calendar or Hijra. (JMR/Sunnex)
