Manila, Philippines – Malacanang has declared that Aug. 21 (Saturday), the 27th death anniversary of former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. is a “regular non-working holiday”.
Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said that Aug. 23, the Monday immediately following the regular holiday will be a regular working day, unlike that of President Arroyo’s holiday economics.
The President is empowered to modify holidays by law, order or proclamation,” he said in a text message to palace reporters.
Lacierda added that the purpose for observing the Ninoy Aquino day is to avoid the imposition of unnecessary financial burden upon the employers, ensure the continuity in the government, business
and commercial transactions, promote productivity, while at the same time preserve the solemnity of the observance.
During the previous week, President Aquino told reporters that he is not inclined to observe his predecessor’s so-called holiday economics because as President,
he needs to strike a balance between benefit to daily wage employees and their employers.