May 3 declared regular holiday

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo has declared May 3, Monday, as a regular holiday throughout the country for the observance of Labor Day.

Since the law rationalizing the country’s holidays was passed in 2007, the President has opted to follow the provision of the law indicating that the observance of Labor Day would be on the Monday nearest May 1. This allows employees to enjoy yet another long weekend.

“A longer weekend encourages families to get together and strengthen their relationship towards a more productive environment, as well as promotes domestic tourism and enables employers to plan their work schedules effectively and efficiently, resulting in improved productivity, which is achieved whether the holiday falls on a Friday or Monday,” the Proclamation stated.

Under Republic Act 9492, which was enacted on July 24, 2007, Labor Day would be observed on the Monday nearest May 1.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) was directed to immediately issue the appropriate circular to implement Proclamation 2043 for the private sector. The DOLE clarified that workers would not get holiday pay on Labor Day, May 1 but on May 3.

Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said those who would report on May 3 would receive 200 per cent of their regular pay and another 30 percent extra pay for services in excess of eight hours. With Mayen Jaymalin