December 1 Is A Holiday

Just when the Filipinos thought their confusion over the changing of the holiday dates is over, Malacañang beats the year-end by declaring December 1, 2008 a non-working holiday. Traditionally, November 30 of every year is a holiday but since it falls on a Sunday, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared Monday a holiday instead.

Not that it bothers regular wage earners who will still get their salaries even if it is a holiday. However, it is a different story for daily-paid workers who live on the maxim "no work, no pay".

Holiday merry-makers will also be glad to note that December 26 (the day after Christmas) and December 29 (sandwiched between a Sunday and Rizal Day) have also been declared non-working holidays.

The declaration of the said holidays is part of Malacañang's "holiday economics" which seeks to maximize the days wherein workers can save on gas, fare and whatever as well as spend the day with their families.

The following days in December are also holidays as declared by the President by virtue of Proclamation 1463:

Regular Holidays:
Dec. 25 (Thursday) – Christmas Day
Dec. 30 (Tuesday) – Rizal Day

Special Non-Working Holidays:
Dec. 31 (Wednesday) – last day of the year.