President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has declared Friday, February 24, 2023, a special non-working day in the Philippines. The announcement came as the country prepares to commemorate the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25, which falls on a Saturday.

Proclamation No. 167 was issued to give Filipinos an opportunity to enjoy a longer weekend, according to the principle of holiday economics. The celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary may be moved from Saturday, February 25, to Friday, February 24, provided that the historical significance of the event is preserved.

The proclamation also states that employees who work on special non-working days will not receive any payment unless their company has a favorable policy in place. However, those who report to work will receive an additional 30% of their regular pay, which amounts to 130% for the day. Furthermore, any overtime work performed on the day should be compensated with an additional 30% of their hourly rate.

If the special non-working day falls on a day off, workers should receive an additional 50% of their basic wage for the first eight hours. Overtime work should also be compensated with an additional 30% of their hourly rate.

This announcement has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some have expressed their appreciation for the longer weekend and the opportunity to spend more time with their families, while others have raised concerns about the impact on the economy and the potential loss of income for those who will not be able to take the day off.

Regardless of the reactions, the proclamation has been issued, and Filipinos can look forward to a longer weekend as the country commemorates the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary.

Meanwhile, February 25 remains a special non-working day, as stipulated in Proclamation No. 555, which was signed by former President Benigno Aquino III in 2018.

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As the country prepares to mark the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, President Marcos Jr. called on all Filipinos to “uphold the spirit of EDSA” and work towards building a “just and peaceful society where the rule of law and respect for human rights prevails.”