Pay rules for the August 29 and 30, 2011 regular holidays
August 29 is National Heroes’ Day this year, while Eid al-Fitr falls on August 30. These are not fixed annual dates. National Heroes’ Day is observed every last Monday of August while the date for the Eid al-Fitr depends on the Islamic calendar. We all know that National Heroes’ Day is a legal national holiday. One only has to refer to a Philippine calendar to see that. But did you know that Eid al Fitr is a national holiday, too?
That is mandated by Republic Act 9177, a law signed during the time of President Gloria Mcapagal-Arroyo. The entire text of RA 9177 can be accessed at http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2002/ra_9177_2002.html . August 30 this year has been declared a regular holiday by virtue of Proclamation No. 234 signed by President Benigno Aquino III. You can read the proclamation at http://www.gov.ph/2011/08/11/proclamation-no-234-s-2011.
Since Eid al-Fitr is now included in the list of regular holidays (http://www.dole.gov.ph/list_of_holidays.php?id=95 ) just like National Heroes’ Day, employees who report for work on August 29 and 30, 2011 will be getting double of their regular pay REGARDLESS of his/her employment status. Meanwhile, those who opt to take advantage of the holiday will still be able to get their regular salary for those dates whether they are a permanent or a casual employee. We can only hope that employers choose the tuwid na daan by paying their employees what’s due for them.
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Let’s enjoy the holiday tomorrow as we commemorate the Bonifacio Day. Time to have some relaxation and spend our time with our family.