The Senate will be reviewing the country’s holidays in the remaining sessions, expressing concerns over the competitiveness and productivity of workers and companies in the Philippines.
Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero initiated the call to make fewer holidays in the country.
“Mahigit isang buwan na ang holiday sa buong bansa, which makes Philippine companies and workers less competitive,” Escudero mentioned during a press briefing on Wednesday, August 7.
Escudero pointed out that, alongside religious holidays, there are numerous holidays across city, municipal, provincial, and national levels. Apart from these holidays mentioned, there are also holidays dedicated to individual heroes.
"May Araw ng Kagitingan, National Heroes Day, bawat bayani pag pinatay sila may holiday na naman, di ba?” said Escudero.
Escudero pointed out that the United States designates a holiday for past presidents. What started as a commemoration of George Washington’s birthday, now serves to honor all past American leaders.
The Senate President shared that consolidating holidays is one of the options being considered by the Senate’s committee on local government.
However, Escudero acknowledged that this motion would likely be divisive.
“Ang problema lang, away yan eh. Pero hindi naman kailangang gawin 'yan ngayon, simulan lang natin 'yung proseso. Hayaan mong mag-percolate sya, mapagpasyahan because I tell you, it’s making [our] the Filipino workers less competitive," Escudero mentioned.
