On October 30, 2024, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. signed Proclamation No. 727, outlining the official holidays in the Philippines for the year 2025. Notably, February 25, 2025, marking the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, was designated as a special working day. 

Understanding Special Working Days

        In the Philippine context, holidays are categorized into regular holidays, special non-working days, and special working days. On regular holidays, employees typically receive their full daily wage even if they do not report to work. If they do work, they are entitled to additional compensation. Special non-working days operate under a "no work, no pay" principle unless a company policy or collective bargaining agreement states otherwise. Employees who work on these days are usually entitled to a premium pay of 30% over their regular rate.

        

        Special working days, however, are treated as regular working days. This means that there are no additional pay benefits mandated by law for work performed on these days. Employees who opt not to work on special working days are not entitled to compensation, unless company policies or agreements provide otherwise. The primary intent behind declaring a special working day is to promote economic productivity by minimizing work disruptions.

Historical Context of February 25

        February 25 is a significant date in Philippine history, commemorating the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986. This peaceful uprising led to the end of a two-decade dictatorship and the restoration of democratic governance in the country. In previous years, this date was observed as a special non-working holiday, allowing Filipinos to participate in various commemorative activities.

        In 2024, the EDSA anniversary was not included in the list of holidays, as it fell on a Sunday. The Office of the President explained that since it coincided with a traditional rest day, there was no need to declare an additional holiday. 

Implications of the 2025 Declaration

        The designation of February 25, 2025, as a special working day, has several implications:

1. Economic Considerations: By declaring it a working day, the government aims to maintain business continuity and economic productivity. This approach seeks to balance the commemoration of significant historical events with the country's economic needs.

2. Commemorative Activities: While it remains a working day, various sectors, including educational institutions, have the discretion to organize activities that honor the spirit of the EDSA Revolution. Some schools and universities may opt to suspend classes or hold alternative learning sessions to educate students about the historical significance of the event. citeturn0search3

3. Labor and Employment: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued guidelines to ensure proper wage computation for this special working day. According to Labor Advisory No. 02, series of 2025, the principle of "no work, no pay" applies, and employees who work on this day are not entitled to additional compensation beyond their regular wages, unless stipulated otherwise by company policies or agreements. 

Public Response and Observations

        The decision to classify February 25 as a special working day has elicited varied responses:

  • Educational Institutions: Several schools and universities have chosen to suspend classes or implement alternative learning methods on February 25 to allow students and staff to commemorate the EDSA anniversary meaningfully. 
  • Historical Significance: Some sectors express concern that not declaring the day a non-working holiday might diminish the public's engagement in commemorative activities, potentially leading to a gradual fading of the collective memory regarding the significance of the EDSA Revolution.

        The declaration of February 25, 2025, as a special working day, reflects the government's effort to balance the commemoration of pivotal historical events with the nation's economic objectives. While it remains a regular working day, the essence of the EDSA People Power Revolution continues to be honored through various activities and remembrances, ensuring that its legacy endures in the collective consciousness of the Filipino people. 

Photo: Generated by Dall-E