THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said on Wednesday that the Philippines celebrates “too many holidays,” which is affecting its productivity and attractiveness as an investment destination.
In a statement, PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio said: “We have too many holidays compared to the others in the region. We have to reduce its negative impact on the productivity of our workforce and the state of our economy.”
On average, the PCCI tallied 27 holidays a year, including special holidays declared by the Palace every year, not counting the calamity-related days off work and hundreds of provincial and municipal holidays.
In October, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. through Proclamation No. 368, listed 10 regular holidays for 2024.
These are New Year’s Day (Jan. 1), Maundy Thursday (March 28), Good Friday (March 29), Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9), Labor Day (May 1), Independence Day (June 12), National Heroes Day (Aug. 26), Bonifacio Day (Nov. 30), Christmas (Dec. 25), and Rizal Day (Dec. 30.).
Four special non-working days were also declared — Ninoy Aquino Day (Aug. 21), All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1), the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary (Dec. 8), and the last day of the year (Dec. 31).
Additional special non-working days were also declared, which included Chinese New Year (Feb. 10), Black Saturday (March 30), All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2), and Christmas Eve (Dec. 24).
The President also declared, through separate proclamations, April 10 and June 14 as regular holidays for the observance of Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha.
“Having too many holidays is unhealthy for business and the economy. It increases the labor costs that actually burden small businesses in particular,” Ms. Mangio said.
“Let us focus and work on our productivity and competitiveness, and make sure we attract more investors,” she added.
Senate President Francis Joseph G. Escudero said over the weekend that the chamber is not considering reducing the number of holidays but ruled out adding more holidays on top of the fixed regular and special non-working holidays. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
