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Tulfo seeks amendment to holiday economics law

Philippines | National

Tulfo seeks amendment to holiday economics law

By Mario Casayuran

Senator Raffy Tulfo has filed a bill seeking to rationalize the celebration of national holidays to allow for long weekends during the year, which could boost domestic tourism in the country and promote work-life balance for both employees and students.

Tulfo filed Senate Bill (SB) 1651 to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 9492 which permits certain holidays to be observed on a Monday.

The lawmaker said ‘’holidays are integral in order to honor and commemorate special events or traditions with cultural or religious significance.’’

‘’The Philippines celebrates 18 national holidays annually, four of which are considered ‘special non-working holidays,’’ Tulfo said.

These aforementioned days might at times fall on a weekend making them feel less celebratory for individuals,’’ he added.

“Additionally, the increase in the number of long weekends can help reduce stress, prevent burnout, and promote work-life balance for both employees and students by allowing them to decompress and spend time with their family and friends,” explanatory note of the bill stated.

Under SB 1651, if the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it will be observed on the following Monday.

Tulfo proposed that the President shall issue a proclamation on the first Monday of December on the specific dates that shall be declared as a non-working day for the following year.

Holiday Economics was passed into law by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo under Republic Act 9492, which moved regular and special holidays to the nearest Monday to boost domestic touris

However, the term of the late President Benigno Aquino III saw the end of the Arroyo administration’s practice of moving holidays to the nearest Monday with the release of Proclamation 84.

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Raffy Tulfo holiday economics national holidays

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