Senate Wants Fewer Holidays in the Philippines
We're clinging to our long weekends as we speak.
(SPOT.ph) Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero is causing a social media panic with his recent suggestion that maybe—just maybe—the Philippines has too many holidays.
“Nagkasundo ang Senado na limitahan ang mga holiday," Escudero said a press briefing on August 7. He argued that this excess of holidays is more of a hindrance than a help, particularly when it comes to keeping the country competitive on the global stage.
Right now, between national holidays, local celebrations, and religious observances, Filipinos have more than a month’s worth of holidays in a year. Escudero is concerned that this is putting the country's businesses—and by extension, its workers—at a disadvantage.
"Mahigit isang buwan na ang holiday sa buong bansa, which makes Philippine companies and workers less competitive,” Escudero said. “Our competitors from other countries aren’t requiring these companies to pay double dahil nagkataon lamang na holiday.”
Also read: LIST: 2024 Holidays and Long Weekends in the Philippines
Chiz Escudero wants to combine holidays in the Philippines
So what's going to happen to our beloved holidays?
Escudero pointed out that other countries like the U.S. have managed to streamline celebrations into a single day, but he acknowledges that his proposal could be controversial—and the heated reactions on social media so far are proof of that.
"Lahat ng magagaling nilang presidente, pinagsama nila sa isang araw nalang na holiday. Tayo hindi eh. May Araw ng Kagitingan, National Heroes’ Day, bawat bayani kung kailan pinatay sila, may holiday,” Escudero said. “Isa ‘yan sa pinapagaral ko sakanila sa komite. Ang problema lang, away ‘yan eh.”
For now, we can relax as Escudero’s proposal to consolidate holidays is still in the early stages.
“Di naman kailangan gawin ngayon, simulan lang ang proseso,” Escudero said.
Also read: How Many Paid Leaves Are Workers Entitled to Under the PH Labor Code?
2024 holidays in the Philippines
Proclamation No. 368 lists 10 regular holidays for 2024. This includes New Year's Day (January 1), Maundy Thursday (March 28), Good Friday (March 29), Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9), Labor Day (May 1), Independence Day (June 12), National Heroes Day (August 26), Bonifacio Day (November 30), Christmas Day (December 25), and Rizal Day (December 30).
In addition, there are eight special non-working days: Chinese New Year (February 10), Black Saturday (March 30), Ninoy Aquino Day (August 21), All Saints' Day (November 1), All Souls’ Day (November 2), Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8), Christmas Eve (December 24), and New Year's Eve (December 31).
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha were also celebrated on April 10 and June 17, respectively, in accordance to the Islamic calendar.