Palace studying whether to declare Black Saturday a holiday

Malacañang said Saturday it is now studying whether to declare April 23, Black Saturday, a holiday as well. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte hinted in a radio interview the Palace may come up with an announcement on the matter early next week. “I asked the office of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. if the Palace will declare April 23 a holiday. They told me they are still studying it. They said there is a proposal to make it a holiday," she said on government-run dzRB radio. When asked if the Palace will make the announcement early next week, she said, “opo (yes), hopefully we can make an announcement by then." Black Saturday is sandwiched between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Proclamation 84, which President Benigno Aquino III signed in December 2010, had decreed Maundy Thursday and Good Friday as holidays, but not Black Saturday. Several Filipinos had inquired whether Black Saturday would be a holiday as well, as they have planned a Holy Week break that lasts until Easter Sunday. Meanwhile, Valte advised Filipinos to take precautions to ensure a safe trip, including getting contact numbers for emergency assistance. She also urged Filipinos to spend the Holy Week reflecting on what they can contribute to the country. “We spend time with loved ones and spend time thinking how we can contribute to the betterment of our country," she said. — LBG, GMA News