Malacañang declares Jan 2 non-working holiday

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Wednesday declared January 2, 2009 a non-working holiday, a radio report said. Radio dzBB's Aileen Intia said Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita made the announcement after receiving a call from Trade Secretary Peter Favila informing him of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's decision On Monday, President Arroyo said she will consult first with labor and business sectors whether to declare January 2 a non-working holiday, saying it has implications on overtime pay. Meanwhile, Ermita said heads of government agencies will have the discretion over whether they want to declare a half-day for December 24, Christmas Eve. The latest holiday declaration brings to 11 the total number of days that employees can enjoy the holidays with their families. The following days are either declared holidays or weekends: * December 25, Christmas Day (regular holiday), * December 26 (special non-working holiday) * December 27 and 28 (weekends) * December 29 (special non-working holiday) * December 30, Jose Rizal Day (regular holiday) * December 31 (special non-working holiday) * January 1 (regular holiday) * January 2 (special non-working holiday) * January 3 and 4 (weekends) - Johanna Camille Sisante and Mark Merueñas, GMANews.TV