2020 Holidays - Philippines

Public Holiday Observance Rules in the Philippines

1. Types of Holidays

The Philippines classifies public holidays into three categories:

• Regular Holidays: These are fixed dates commemorating significant national events.
• Special (Non-Working) Days: Variable dates honoring cultural or religious events.
• Special Working Days: Regular workdays without additional compensation mandates.

For more details, see the Official Gazette.

2. Holiday Pay Rules

For Regular Holidays:

• If Not Worked: Employees receive 100% of their daily wage.
• If Worked: Employees are entitled to 200% of their regular salary for the first eight hours.
• Overtime Work: An additional 30% of the hourly rate is added for hours worked beyond eight.
• Rest Day Work: If the holiday coincides with an employee's rest day and they work, they receive an additional 30% of their daily rate of 200%.

For Special (Non-Working) Days:

• If Not Worked: Generally, a "No Work, No Pay" policy applies unless a company policy or collective bargaining agreement states otherwise.
• If Worked: Employees receive 130% of their regular daily wage for the first eight hours.
• Overtime Work: An additional 30% of the hourly rate is added for hours worked beyond eight.
• Rest Day Work: If the special day falls on a rest day and the employee works, they receive an additional 50% of their daily rate for the first eight hours, plus 30% for overtime hours.

For Special Working Days:

• Work performed on these days is treated like an ordinary workday, and no premium pay is required by law.

Detailed holiday pay rules are outlined in the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

3. Holidays Falling on Weekends

The Philippines has implemented a policy known as "Holiday Economics," which aims to boost domestic tourism and provide longer weekends by moving certain holiday observances to the nearest Monday. However, not all holidays are subject to this adjustment. For example, holidays like New Year's Day (January 1), Christmas Day (December 25), and Bonifacio Day (November 30) remain fixed on their original dates. The President may issue proclamations to announce the specific observance dates for movable holidays. Source

4. Observance by Sectors

Government and Public Institutions: These entities strictly follow the official holiday calendar as declared by the government. Source

Private Sector: While many private businesses observe public holidays, practices can vary. Employers are encouraged to consult official proclamations and the Labor Code to ensure compliance and to make appropriate arrangements for their employees. Source