A bill that would broaden the use of "holiday economics" to boost domestic tourism and make extra rest days more useful has been filed before the Senate.
Senator Raffy Tulfo's Senate Bill 1651 amends Republic Act (RA) 9492, or the Act Rationalizing the Celebration of National Holidays, so that a holiday that falls on a weekend is declared non-working the following Monday.
If the holiday falls on a Wednesday, it will be observed on the following Monday under RA 9492, which was signed in 2007.
Meanwhile, Sunday holidays will be observed on the Monday that follows.
The bill proposes that on the first Monday of December, the President issue a proclamation specifying the specific dates that will be declared non-working days for the following year.
“Holidays are integral in order to honor and commemorate special events or traditions with cultural or religious significance. These aforementioned days may at times fall on a weekend making them feel less celebratory for individuals,” read the explanatory note.
On November 11, 2022, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued Proclamation 90, which already modified the days observed as holidays.
Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) observance has been relocated for 2023 to April 10, the closest Monday to its original date, April 9.
The proclamation also changes Bonifacio Day to be observed on November 27, which is the next Monday to its original date of Nov. 30.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s decision to modify the list of holidays and non-working days, according to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, will increase tourism and enhance passengers' experiences overall.
