Oct. 1 declared a regular holiday for Eid al-Fitr

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo declared Eid al-Fitr on October 1 as a regular holiday to promote understanding among Christians and Muslims in the country. Radio dzBB's Aileen Intia reported that President Arroyo issued Proclamation 1625 declaring Eidul Fitr a holiday to cap the month-long holy month of Ramadan. In its website, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said employees covered by the Holiday Pay Rule are entitled to daily basic wages for any unworked regular holiday. "This means that the employee is entitled to at least 100% of his basic wage even if he did not report for work, provided he is present or is on leave of absence with pay on the work day immediately preceding the holiday," it said. Work performed on that day merits at least twice (200%) the basic wage of the employee, the DOLE said. "Where the holiday falls on the scheduled rest day of the employee, work performed on said day merits at least an additional 30% of the employee's regular holiday rate of 200% or a total of at least 260%," it said. Eid al-Fitr is one of the 11 regular holidays in the year, under Executive Order No. 203. The other regular holidays include: • New Year's Day - January 1 • Maundy Thursday - Movable Date • Good Friday - Movable Date • Araw ng Kagitingan - April 9 • Labor Day - May 1 • Independence Day - June 12 • National Heroes Day - Last Sunday of August • Eid al-Fitr - Movable Date • Bonifacio Day - November 30 • Christmas Day - December 25 • Rizal Day - December 30 - GMANews.TV