GMA signs into law bill rationalizing national holidays

President Arroyo has signed into law Republic Act 9492, which moves to the nearest Monday the celebration of holidays that have no religious significance.

The law amends Executive Order 292, or the National Administrative Code of 1987.

Under the law, four holidays would be celebrated on a fixed date: New Year’s Day on Jan. 1, All Saint’s Day on Nov. 1, Christmas Day on Dec. 25, and the last day of the year, Dec. 31.

Three other holidays – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Eid ul Fitr – have always been movable.

Next month, Ninoy Aquino Day, which falls on Aug. 21, will be observed on the nearest Monday, Aug. 20.

Araw ng Kagitingan will be celebrated on the Monday nearest April 9; Labor Day, the Monday nearest May 1; Independence Day, Monday nearest June 12; National Heroes Day, last Monday of August; Bonifacio Day, Monday nearest Nov. 30; and Rizal Day, Monday nearest Dec. 30.

In the case of movable holidays, the President shall issue a proclamation at least six months prior to the holiday concerned, specifying the date that shall be declared as a non-working day.

The law also provides that Eid ul Adha shall be celebrated as a regional holiday in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The bill was conceptualized in the Senate by Sen. Joker Arroyo in response to the practice of the administration of sudden announcements of special non-working holidays.

There are a total of 11 national regular holidays and three nationwide special days.     – Marvin Sy