Just a while ago, the Executive Secretary issued Proclamation No. 1752, declaring April 11, 2009 a special non-working holiday. This is obviously not one of the original holidays for 2009 (see list here) declared through Proclamation No. 1699. The reactions to this declaration of special non-working holiday, as well as the previous ones, are varied.

Many believe that these proclamations, adding additional non-working holidays, would benefit the workers who would have more free time to rest or spend with his/her family. Employees and workers who are required to work will receive additional benefits. This will also benefit the economy, as people are expected to spend in vacations during the long weekends.

Others believe otherwise. Employers who can’t afford (or would not want) to pay additional benefits won’t allow work on that day, leading to less income for those who are covered by the no-work, no-pay rule. Those who have made advanced confirmed schedules for important transactions in the Philippines may have to cancel at the last minute. For employers, businessmen or Pinoy Entrepreneurs who have no choice but to do business on the declared non-working holiday, the added expense is a heavy load on top of the current economic crisis.

We had an informal poll which ran from April 9 – July 27 2009 — Is the act of government in declaring additional non-working holidays better for the economy?

Out of the 184 votes, 62% (114 votes) said “NO”, declaring additional non-working holidays is not better for the economy; 31.5% (58 votes) said “YES”, while 6.5% (12 votes) is neutral.

If you still want to express your vote or opinion, please use the comment section below.

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