Eid’l Fitr expected to be a holiday

CEBU, Philippines - Malacañang is expected to declare July 6 as a national holiday in observance of Eidul Fitr or Eid'l Fitr, the first day marking the end of the 30-day fasting period of Ramadhan.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar said yesterday the formal advisory may be issued today or Tuesday.

"Well, napag-usapan namin iyan ni Executive Secretary (Salvador) Medialdea at ito po ay sa July 6 pero hintayin na lang po natin 'yung opisyal na announcement ngayong darating na Lunes or Martes po," Andanar said over state-run Radyo ng Bayan.

Christopher Lawrence Go, personal aide of President Rodrigo Duterte, also told The Freeman the President will issue the order today. "Ugma to be declared," he said in a text message yesterday.

In an interview with The Freeman yesterday, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 7 Director Exequiel Sarcauga also said they are yet to receive a formal order.

"Lain-lain man gud na ang petsa sa Eidul Fitr. So far, wa pa ko nakadawat," he said. Once DOLE received an executive order, Sarcauga said the agency will issue a Labor Advisory that will indicate the salaries and additional compensation for those who will work on this day.

According to the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, the Holy Month of Ramadhan ends on July 5.

Last year, former President Benigno Aquino III declared Eidul Fitr on July 17, 2015 by virtue of Proclamation Number 1070.

Republic Act 9177 states that a proclamation declaring national holiday in observance of Eidul Fitr will be issued after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance to the Islamic calendar or upon Islamic astronomical calculations.

RA 9177 was approved on November 13, 2002 by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo — (FREEMAN)