MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has declared December 26 and Jan. 2, 2017, both falling on a Monday, as special non-working holidays.
Proclamation 117 noted that declaring the days following Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year's Day (Jan. 1, 2017) would give full opportunity for the people to celebrate the holidays.
Christmas Day and New Year's Day both fall on a Sunday and are regular holidays.
"Whereas, a longer weekend promotes domestic tourism and enables employers to plan their work schedules effectively and efficiently, resulting in improved productivity," the proclamation read.
Acting Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra signed the proclamation on behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte who is currently in Cambodia for a state visit.
As a special non-working holiday, workers who report for work get 1.3 times their daily rate. Those who do not work on the day, meanwhile, get no pay. — Patricia Lourdes Viray
INFOGRAPHIC: Philippine holidays for 2017