Monday a holiday for Manalo burial

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang declared this Monday, Sept. 7, a special non-working holiday marking the burial of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) leader Eraño Manalo.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said President Arroyo has also released a proclamation declaring Sept. 21 as a non-working holiday for the Islamic holy day of Eid’l Fitr.

The President decided to declare a national day of mourning this Monday for the death of Manalo.

Remonde said the national colors would be flown at half-mast on Monday.

Last Wednesday, the President also declared a period of national mourning for Manalo, which ends on Monday.

Sept. 21 marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and would be highlighted by the celebration of Eid’l Fitr.

Muslims actually celebrate Eid’l Fitr for three days.

The start of Ramadan is determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar or the lunar calendar, and the date of Eid’l Fitr is determined by the sighting of the new moon.

The INC, on the other hand, announced the interment of Manalo would begin at 12 noon on Monday.

INC spokesman Bienvenido Santiago said the remains of Manalo would be interred at the Tabernacle located near the INC Central Temple in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

Manalo died of cardiopulmonary arrest last Aug. 31 at the age of 84. His remains lie in state at the INC Central Temple in Quezon City.

In the 95 years of its existence, the INC has been an influential religious organization with many politicians, even presidents, seeking their endorsement during elections. – Marvin Sy, Evelyn Macairan