This article discusses the Philippine Regular Holidays and Special Non-Working Days for the year 2024, as declared by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., under Proclamation No. 368.
Planning your 2024 vacation and don’t know when to take off? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the sea of holidays! This article will guide you through the labyrinth of Philippine Holidays, and Special Non-Working Days for the year 2024. These dates have been officially stamped and sealed by none other than President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., under his Proclamation No. 368. So, grab your calendar and a highlighter, and let’s embark on this holiday marking adventure!
Proclamation No. 368 Declaring Philippine Holidays, Regular and Special Non-Working Days for the year 2024
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. signed Proclamation No. 368 11 October 2023, wherein he declared the Regular Holidays, and Special Non-Working Days to be observed for the Year 2024.
The President holds the authority to amend these special days under Republic Act No. 9492 which amended Section 26, Chapter 7, Book I of Executive Order No. 292, which is known as the Administrative Code of the 1987. It is in this original legislation that our holidays, both special and regular holidays, are declared.
Unlike in his previous Presidential Proclamations, (i.e., Proclamation No. 42 and Proclamation No. 90, for 2023, wherein he saw the need to adjust the holidays “pursuant to the principle of holiday economics wherein a longer weekend will help encourage domestic travel and increase tourism expenditures in the country”), Proclamation No. 368 does not mention holiday economics. Thus, we noticed lesser long weekend celebrations, than that of the previous year.
Nevertheless, the President declared 2 November as a special non-working holiday, to strengthen family ties, and with the promotion of domestic tourism in mind. Christmas Eve or 24 December, as in the previous year 2023, is also declared a Special Non-Working Day. Falling on a Tuesday, this makes for a longer holiday celebration, with Christmas Day (25 December), a regular holiday falling on Wednesday.
No Special Working Days Mentioned
Well, it seems like we will no longer see the term “Special Working Days”! Just like a magician who’s run out of rabbits to pull out of his hat, Proclamation No. 368 is also coming up empty. It’s like last year’s déjà vu all over again, with both December 31 and November 2 being declared as Special Non-Working Holidays. So, get ready to kick back and enjoy some well-deserved rest on these days, which are declared Special Non-Working Days:
30 March 2024, Saturday – Black Saturday
02 November 2024, Saturday – All Soul’s Day
24 December 2024, Tuesday – Christmas Eve
31 December 2024, Tuesday – last day of the year is a Special non-working day
The declaration of these dates as special non-working days is a nod to a long-standing tradition. While these holidays may not come with pay, they do offer something arguably more valuable – time. Time for families to come together, time for festivities to be enjoyed, and time for everyone to take a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Adjusted Dates and Additional Dates for Certain Philippine Holidays
In 2024, we noticed a decrease in adjusted holidays, as many of them conveniently landed on workdays. Unlike the previous year, 2 January 2024, is now a regular workday, since no special declaration was made under Proclamation No. 368.
Also, two significant dates, Araw ng Kagitingan on 9 March and Bonifacio Day on 30 November, were observed as per tradition.
And here’s a fun twist! Unlike the previous year, the Chinese New Year has made a comeback as a Special Non-Working Day. So, get ready to welcome the Year of the Dragon with a day off!
With all these changes in mind, Proclamation No. 368 enumerated the holidays for the year 2024, as follows:
01 January 2024, Monday – New Year’s Day (Regular holiday)
10 February 2024, Saturday – Chinese New Year (Special non-working day)
28 March 2024 – Maundy Thursday (Regular holiday)
29 March 2024 – Good Friday (Regular holiday)
30 March 2024 – Black Saturday (Special non-working day)
09 April 2024, Tuesday – Araw ng Kagitingan (regular holiday)
April 2024 – Eidl Fitr -actual date to be confirmed (regular holiday)
01 May 2024, Wednesday – Labor Day (regular holiday)
12 June 2024, Wednesday – Independence Day (regular holiday)
June 2024 – Eidl Adha -actual date to be confirmed (regular holiday)
21 August 2024, Wednesday – Ninoy Aquino Day (Special non-working day)
26 August 2024, last Monday of August – National Heroes’ Day (regular holiday)
01 November 2024, Friday – All Saints’ Day (Special non-working day)
02 November 2024, Saturday – All Soul’s Day (Special non-working day)
30 November 2024, Saturday – Bonifacio Day (Regular holiday)
08 December 2024, Sunday – Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary (Special non-working day)
24 December 2024, Tuesday – Christmas Eve (Special non-working day)
25 December 2024, Wednesday – Christmas Day (Regular holiday)
30 December 2024, Monday – Rizal Day (Regular holiday)
31 December 2024, Tuesday – Last day of the year (Special non-working day)
There are a total of twenty (20) days listed above, based on the latest Proclamation No. 368.
The Changes on the Benefits and Premium Pay for 2024 Philippine Regular Holidays and Special Non-Working Days
There appears no central theme mentioned in the 2024 holiday declaration of Proclamation No. 368, unlike the previous year where the President mentioned holiday economics. Instead, long-standing tradition appears to be the basis for retaining most of the dates, with the exception of 02 November or All Soul’s Day, which does indicate the promotion of domestic tourism as part of its rationale.
And while it may seem like there are fewer opportunities for those coveted “long weekend trips”, fear not, travel enthusiasts! With a bit of strategic planning and clever scheduling of leave days to coincide with certain weekdays close to the weekends, you can still embark on those short (or long) escapades.
Now, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty of holiday pay and entitlements. As per the Labor Code of the Philippines, employees are paid their daily wage for regular holidays, even if they choose to stay at home and binge-watch their favorite series. Yes, you heard it right! You get paid for doing absolutely nothing!
But hold on, there’s a catch. To be eligible for holiday pay, you must either be present or have reported for work on the workday prior to the holiday. If you were absent, that absence must be considered as a leave, or part of your available leaves, or otherwise excused or with permission. So, if you decided to start your holiday a day early without an excuse, you might miss out on that holiday premium.
Now, if you’re a workaholic and choose to work on a regular holiday, you’re in for a treat! You’ll receive double your daily rate. This rate is calculated based on a factor rate that considers the total number of days you’ve worked and your annual compensation.
As for special non-working days, the principle of “no work, no pay” applies. So, if the company decides to observe the holiday, and you choose to take the day off, you won’t receive a salary for that day. However, if you do decide to work on a special non-working day, and provided your office is open for work during that day, you’ll receive a 30% premium added to your daily rate. So, whether you’re planning to work or relax on these special days, you’re covered!
About Nicolas and De Vega Law Offices
If you need assistance in labor-related issues, compliance with DOLE issuances, and company employment policies, or business-related concerns, we can help you find solutions. Nicolas and de Vega Law Offices is a full-service law firm in the Philippines. You may visit us at the 16th Flr., Suite 1607 AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, 1605 Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. You may also call us at +632 84706126, +632 84706130, +632 84016392 or e-mail us at [email protected]. Visit our website www.ndvlaw.com.
