The declaration was made through Proclamation Number 425 and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on December 12. It allows Filipino families to spend more time together over the Christmas holiday.
Christmas, December 25, Monday, is a regular holiday. Most employees do not work on Saturdays and Sundays, which extends the weekend over the Christmas period.
"The declaration of 26 December 2023, Tuesday, as an additional special (non-working) day will give the people the full opportunity to celebrate the holiday with their families and loved ones. A longer weekend will encourage families to get together and strengthen their relationship leading to a better society," the proclamation reads.
According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), if an employee does not work on a special non-working holiday, they will not be paid by the company. This is unlike a regular holiday (December 25) when employees are paid even if they do not work.
This is unless a private company has a policy or customary practice, or a collective bargaining agreement that provides pay for employees on a special non-working day.
If, however, an employee works on a special non-working day, they will receive an additional 30% of their daily wage for the first eight hours.
If an employee works overtime on a special non-working day, they will receive an additional 30% per hour worked.
For employees whose rest day falls on a special non-working day and are still required to work by management, their employer will pay an additional 50% of their wage for the first 8 hours.
Their overtime work will be paid at an additional 30% per hour worked.
(Photo of Memorandum Order from Presidential Palace)
