Holiday amendment draws mixed reactions

CEBU, Philippines - The decision of Malacañang to amend the earlier proclamation of November 27 and 28 as National Holidays have elicited mixed reactions from different sectors.

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has extended their appreciation of the administrations’ consideration especially for the business sector nationwide that would be greatly affected with the declaration of numerous holidays in the country.

Ted Locson, the Vice President for External affairs for the CCCI said that they are pleased with the decision since it would certainly save the business owners money for the overtime pay for their workers, which is due for the employees for working on holidays.

“It is good that the government is sensitive to business concerns,” said Locson who added that while the two days would not be holidays anymore, it may be unfortunate for those who have planned for vacations for these days but for the manufacturers and other business establishments, “this is a welcome development which saves on OT pay.”

The CCCI was one of the chambers who extended their concerns earlier on the celebration of too many holidays in the Philippines, wherein the business sector was not even consulted in advance.

CCCI stressed their point that for Cebu, business establishments especially particular sectors that were greatly affected with the economic crisis that the manufacturing sector that deals with import and export trading, they could not afford to have extra holidays since they are still coping with the effects of the downturn.

However, with the proclamation of the administration that the two days would not be made as national holidays anymore, the Muslim community in Cebu were not as happy saying that the administration is being unfair to their community.

The two day holiday was initially declared by the Arroyo administration as the Muslim festival of Eid’l Adha but changed the proclamation recently, specifying that only the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao would be observing the holidays.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde announced the amendment after manufacturing industries have asked for the reconsideration of proclaimed holidays in the country.

Former chairman of the Metro Cebu Muslim Peace and Order Council Hadji Nashier Ismael said in an interview in a local radio station that the president turning over her first declaration is a sign of weak leadership which is unjust for their community.

Ismael said that they understand the business sector’s sentiments and the effect that it would do to the country’s economy, but then Ismael said that religion should not be sacrificed for the country’s progress.

Ismael said that they are asking for the Office of Muslim Affairs to appeal to the office of the president for the revocation of the amended proclamation and give the Muslim community nationwide what is just for them.

He said that it is not only in the ARMM that there are a lot of Muslim brothers and sisters but all throughout the country.