PNoy also wary of having too many holidays in PHL
President Benigno Aquino III is concerned with the proposed increase in the number of non-working holidays in the country, agreeing with the Department of Labor and Employment that it will be detrimental to the economy.
At a press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the President “is very, very concerned” over the proposal, which he said could drive away potential foreign investors from the country.
“He (Aquino) wants this country to be a haven for investment and we want to showcase the Filipinos’ competitiveness and productivity,” Lacierda said. “Having too many holidays does affect productivity and competitiveness.”
Lacierda added: “If you want to be a haven for investment, we will have to prove our strength in two areas—competitiveness and productivity. If you have too many holidays it affects the daily wage earners because if it’s holiday, it’s a no work, no pay situation.”
He said Malacañang agrees with the statement of Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz that concerned authorities should be cautious in declaring additional holidays from the present 18 as stated in Proclamation 95 signed by Aquino. Of the 18, 12 are regular holidays and six are special non-working holidays.
Baldoz has urged local executives to think twice before declaring additional non-working holidays in their respective areas. She also noted that the House of Representatives has approved on third reading House Bill 5068 declaring National Victory and Liberation Day on September 3.
Now on second reading is House Bill 3962 declaring National Women’s Day every March 8.
Eight other pending bills seek to declare non-working holidays, including:
At the Senate, hearings are being conducted on five local bills:
“Declaring holidays has implications on productivity and competitiveness. It is associated with issues on rights at work. Reviewing the implementation of holidays is necessary to contribute to the Philippine development goal of inclusive growth, through decent and productive work,” Baldoz had earlier said. — KBK, GMA News
At a press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the President “is very, very concerned” over the proposal, which he said could drive away potential foreign investors from the country.
“He (Aquino) wants this country to be a haven for investment and we want to showcase the Filipinos’ competitiveness and productivity,” Lacierda said. “Having too many holidays does affect productivity and competitiveness.”
Lacierda added: “If you want to be a haven for investment, we will have to prove our strength in two areas—competitiveness and productivity. If you have too many holidays it affects the daily wage earners because if it’s holiday, it’s a no work, no pay situation.”
He said Malacañang agrees with the statement of Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz that concerned authorities should be cautious in declaring additional holidays from the present 18 as stated in Proclamation 95 signed by Aquino. Of the 18, 12 are regular holidays and six are special non-working holidays.
Baldoz has urged local executives to think twice before declaring additional non-working holidays in their respective areas. She also noted that the House of Representatives has approved on third reading House Bill 5068 declaring National Victory and Liberation Day on September 3.
Now on second reading is House Bill 3962 declaring National Women’s Day every March 8.
Eight other pending bills seek to declare non-working holidays, including:
- HB 1072 for Chinese New Year
- HB 1182 for Tandang Sora Day
- HB 1631 for Founding of Katipunan
- HB 2249 for Corazon Aquino’s Natal Day
- HB 2756 for National Heroes’ Day
- HB 3152 for December 25 to 31 and January 1
- HBs 3705 and 4414 for Iglesia ni Kristo Day
- HB 5259 for Corazon Aquino Day
At the Senate, hearings are being conducted on five local bills:
- SB 459 for Lapu-lapu Day
- SB 550 for Chinese New Year
- SB 829 for Iglesia ni Kristo Day
- SB 1094 for National Teacher’s Day
- SB 3112 for Filipino Day of Goodwill or Boxing Day
“Declaring holidays has implications on productivity and competitiveness. It is associated with issues on rights at work. Reviewing the implementation of holidays is necessary to contribute to the Philippine development goal of inclusive growth, through decent and productive work,” Baldoz had earlier said. — KBK, GMA News
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