August 21, Ninoy Aquino Day, which falls on a Saturday, will remain a special non-working holiday, but will unlikely be moved to the nearest Monday.
President Aquino Friday hinted at plans not to move the national holiday honoring his late father, Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., as he bared plans to review the “holiday economics” policy instituted by his predecessor.
Republic Act No.9256, signed by then President Arroyo in 2003, declared Aug. 21 of every year as Ninoy Aquino Day a special non- working holiday. The holiday meant to commemorate the anniversary of the 1983 assassination of Aquino, that sparked the bloodless 1986 EDSA People Power revolution that eventually toppled the Marcos rule.
The “holiday economics,” imposed by the past government, however allowed the movement of some national holidays to the nearest Monday, supposedly to give rest or vacation days to workers,boosting the domestic tourism industry.
The President, in an interview with reporters in the Palace, said he would not dare move the death anniversary of his father, the martyr-husband of the late President Corazon Aquino.
He said his government plans to look into the “holiday economics” policy of the past administration amid concerns it belittles the historic national holidays in the country. The decision on whether to scrap “holiday economics” will be known soon.
Mr. Aquino explained that there was a need to balance significance of the country's historical and religious dates while interests of the affected stakeholders, saying too many holidays make the country "less competitive."
"We will try and discern which of the holidays are not movable," he said when asked if he would push for an amendment to the law institutionalizing the practice of “holiday economics.”
"We have to recognize our obligation to those who have a sacrifice. We will look after the interests of everyone and forge a healthy compromise," he said.
Mr. Aquino admitted that he was particularly miffed with the observance of Independence Day this year from June 12, Saturday, to June 14, claiming this has demeaned the significance of the historic date.
Republic Act 9849, signed by then President Arroyo in December, 2009, “rationalized” the celebration of holidays to allow people to take time off and go out of town.
Genalyn Kabiling, Manila Bulletin
Subject: August 21 Is Special Non-Working Holiday 
Sat Aug 07, 2010 8:00 am
