Palace declares Feb. 25 a non-working holiday

(Updated 5:21 p.m.) Malacañang has declared February 25, the 22nd anniversary of the 1986 People Power uprising that restored democracy in the country, as a non-working holiday. President 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," the president said. President 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 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 Nov. 30); Christmas Day (Dec. 25); and Rizal Day (Dec. 30). President 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 to institutionalize in the country and an international event that workers want to celebrate on the exact date." She also said the special non-working holidays are: Ninoy Aquino Day (August 18, the nearest Monday to Aug. 21); All Saints Day (Nov. 1); Dec. 26 and 29, as special non-working days; and Dec. 31, because it is the last day of the year. President Arroyo said Dec. 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. - GMANews.TV