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Source: Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation (Manila)
Executive Secretary to Philippines President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Eduardo R. Ermita has announced that the Palace was drafting a proclamation to either declare a special non-working holiday or a national day of mourning on the date of the upcoming burial of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) executive minister Eraño G. Manalo who died on Monday.
Recall that, in early July of this year (07-Jul-2009), President, Arroyo, declared July 27 of this year, and every year thereafter, as "Iglesia ni Cristo Day". For a few days after the initial announcement, there were conflicting reports as to the exact status of this new annual holiday. But, in the end, as per the text of Republic Act 9645, "Iglesia ni Cristo Day" was to be a special working holiday.
It is possible that, having failed to deliver a public holiday to one of her core constituencies, last summer, President, Arroyo could now declare a public holiday on their leader's funeral.
On the other hand, having recently (02-Aug-2009) declared a one-off special non-working public holiday, on the day of the funeral of the late former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino, there will be pressure not to declare a new public holiday, from the business community, already rattled by the addition of 2 new Muslim public holidays this year (05-Apr-2009) and the real possibility of Chinese New Year being declared an public holiday next year (22-Aug-2009), in addition to the official 2010 public holidays announced last month (22-Jul-2009).
Related links:
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Philippines 2013 bank holidays and public holidays (current year)
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Philippines 2014 bank holidays and public holidays (next year)
• Philippines bank holidays and public holidays (news and updates)
• Worldwide
bank holidays and public holidays news updates (September 2009)
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Philippines Could Soon Declare INC Public Holiday