EXPECT more modification of holidays in the term of President Benigno Aquino III.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Thursday that the changes in the supposed holiday on August 23 were not the first as the President will adjust others depending on the case.
“What is very clear that the President has the right to modify any holidays. So, based on the law itself, we will do it (modification) on a case to case basis,” he said.
After extensive discussions, Aquino decided not to declare August 23 as holiday albeit Holiday Economics Law of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo moving holidays to nearest Monday for public to enjoy long weekends.
August 21 which falls on a Saturday is a national holiday in commemoration of the death of Aquino’s late father Ninoy Aquino.
Lacierda earlier stressed that the President has the power to modify holidays by law, order or proclamation under Republic Act 9492.
The Palace spokesperson meanwhile said there is no discussion yet whether to repeal the Holiday Economics Law or not.
Many have been dismayed by the decision of President Aquino to withdraw the forthcoming holiday especially those who have already planned for the long weekend.
To appease the public, Lacierda pointed out that the decision of the President was made in consideration for business entities and the government service.
“The President said ‘imagine first day of the week and we have no work’. It diminishes productivity for the rest of the week,” he said.
He added that they consulted Cabinet secretaries about the declaration and some people from the business sector also gave opinions.
President Aquino has yet to make a schedule for the death anniversary of his father. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)