November 2 not a holiday, Palace says

November 2, All Souls' Day, will not be a holiday, Malacañang said on Tuesday. Executive Secretary Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa Jr. made the announcement when asked in an interview at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Ochoa was one of the Cabinet officials who saw off President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III as he flew to Vietnam for a state visit and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit. With Aquino out of the country, Ochoa is authorized to sign documents, including those usually signed “under the authority of the President." Ochoa is also allowed to convene the Cabinet when necessary and preside over its meeting if the vice president is unavailable. He will also oversee communications to the President, especially about matters that require Aquino's consultation or approval. All Souls' Day All Souls' Day, November 2, is a Catholic feast day for remembering the dead. However, millions of Filipinos start flocking to cemeteries as early as November 1, All Saints' Day, also a Catholic feast for honoring all saints, both those who are known and the unknown. Many Filipinos even start visiting cemeteries on Halloween (also known as All Hallows' Eve), October 31, the eve of All Saints' Day (previously called All Hallows' Day). November 2 was not included in Republic Act 9492 which lists the regular and nationwide special holidays in the country. RA 9492 was signed by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in July 2007. It requires that most holidays, except those with religious significance, be moved to the nearest Monday. –VVP, GMANews.TV