MALOLOS, Philippines – It’s a special non-working holiday today in the province of Bulacan and Isabela in view of the arrival of Pope Francis.
Malacañang declared the holiday in Bulacan under Proclamation 945 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. “to give honor and support to the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis.”
“I courteously requested Malacañang for the said declaration… not only to address the imminent traffic congestion but also to allow Bulakenyos to participate in the commensurate activities during the occasion,” Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Sy Alvarado said.
In Isabela, Gov. Faustino Dy III issued Executive Order 1 to enable his constituents to participate in the activities during the Pope’s visit.
Work in government and private offices, schools and business establishments are suspended throughout the province.
A contingent of 608 police officers and personnel from Cagayan Valley has also been deployed for the Pope’s visit in Tacloban City.
Palace denies request
Meanwhile, Malacañang has denied the request of Ormoc City Mayor Edward Codilla to declare Jan. 15 to 17 as special non-working holidays in the city for the Pope’s visit.
Michael Aguinaldo, the Palace’s deputy executive secretary for legal affairs, said they declined the request “as a matter of policy and practice.”
“It is believed that the days may fittingly be celebrated in ways other than declaring the same a local holiday,” Aguinaldo said in a letter sent to the mayor’s office.
Leyte Vice Gov. Carlo Loreto clarified that the declaration of a special non-working holiday by Gov. Leopoldo Dominico Petilla for the same days in the province covers only government offices. – With Lalaine Jimenea, Raymund Catindig