Senate bill seeks long weekend if holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday

Senator Raffy Tulfo filed a bill that would automatically allow long weekends if holiday dates fell on a weekend.

In a Tuesday statement, Tulfo said Senate Bill 1651, which would amend Republic Act No. 9492 or the Act Rationalizing the Celebration of National Holidays, rationalized the celebration of national holidays.

It could also boost domestic tourism in the country and promote work-life balance for both employees and students.

Under SB No. 1651, if a holiday fell on a Saturday or Sunday, it would be observed on the following Monday.

The bill also proposes that the President shall proclaim on the first Monday of December the specific dates that shall be declared non-working days for the following year.

“Holidays are integral in order to honor and commemorate special events or traditions with cultural or religious significance," Tulfo said in his explanatory note.

"The Philippines celebrates 18 national holidays annually, four of which are considered ‘special non-working holidays.’ These aforementioned days may at times fall on a weekend making them feel less celebratory for individuals."

The senator added that the increase in the number of long weekends can help reduce stress, prevent burnout, and promote work-life balance for both employees and students by allowing them to decompress and spend time with their family and friends.

Tulfo noted that a similar law was passed during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, but the late former President Benigno Aquino III issued Proclamation 84 that ended the practice of moving holidays to the nearest Monday. — DVM, GMA Integrated News