Oct. 31 and Nov. 2 are regular working days – Palace
Quezon City (22 October) -- Malacañang said today only All Saints’ Day, Nov. 1 (Wednesday) is a holiday and Oct. 31 and Nov. 2 will be regular working days nationwide.
Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said in an interview by Radyo ng Bayan that the government is not inclined to declare a long holiday for the observance of All Saints’ Day because of its effects on business operations.
According to Bunye, it is up to the management of private companies to decide on whatever arrangement they want to implement for their employees on Oct. 31 and Nov. 2.
"As far as the private companies are concerned, that’s up to the management. But in the government, we have a clear policy, there is no declaration of holiday on October 31 and November 2," he said.
He explained that the government is aware of the implications of long holidays in the business operations of private companies, particularly in granting holiday pay and holiday premium to their employees.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had earlier issued Proclamation No. 1155 declaring Oct. 24 (Tuesday) as a regular holiday nationwide in observance of the Eid’l Fitr, the Muslim Feast of Ramadhan. (PIA) [top]