Understanding how Philippine holidays are classified is important for every Filipino employee. Holiday types directly affect whether you are required to report to work, how much you are paid if you do, and what your rights are under labor law. Confusion around holiday pay is common, especially when schedules change or when companies follow foreign calendars.
This guide explains the three main types of Philippine holidays—Regular Holidays, Special Non-Working Holidays, and Special Working Holidays—in clear, practical terms.
How Holidays Are Classified in the Philippines
Philippine holidays are declared by the Office of the President through the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and implemented through guidelines from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Each holiday falls into a specific category, and each category comes with its own rules on attendance and compensation. Knowing which type of holiday applies helps you:
- Check if your pay was computed correctly;
- Understand whether “no work, no pay” applies; and
- Ask the right questions if your schedule or salary looks off.
Regular Holidays
Regular holidays are non-working days recognized nationwide. Even if you do not report to work, you are still entitled to your full daily wage, provided you are present or on paid leave the day before the holiday.
What this means for employees
- If you do not work, you receive 100% of your daily wage
- If you do work, you receive 200% of your daily wage
- If you work on a rest day that falls on a regular holiday, pay increases further, following DOLE premium rules
Regular holidays usually commemorate major national events, historical milestones, or religious observances. And because these days carry guaranteed pay, they are often the most anticipated by employees.
Special Non-Working Holidays
Special non-working holidays follow a different set of rules since these days are generally governed by the principle of “no work, no pay,” unless your company has an internal policy that provides pay even if you do not report to work.
What this means for employees
- If you do not work, usually no pay, unless company policy says otherwise
- If you do work, you are entitled to 130% of your daily wage
- If the holiday falls on a rest day and you work, pay increases to 150% of your daily wage
Special non-working holidays often include cultural observances, memorial days, or religious celebrations. While they do not guarantee pay if you don’t report to work, they still provide premium compensation if you are required to.
Special Working Holidays
Special working holidays are treated as ordinary working days. The classification often causes confusion, especially when the holiday sounds significant or commemorative, as seen in the 2025 commemoration of the 39th EDSA People Power Anniversary, declared by incumbent President Bongbong Marcos, which was previously observed as a regular holiday in recent years.
What this means for employees
- If you work, you receive 100% of your daily wage
- If you do not work, no pay, unless covered by leave or company policy
- There is no mandatory holiday premium required by law
Employers may still offer incentives or additional pay on special working holidays, but these are discretionary rather than mandated.
Did you know? The term “Special Working Holiday” was only recently used again in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when then-President Rodrigo Duterte announced November 2 (All Souls’ Day), December 24 (Christmas Eve), and December 31 (last day of the year) as “special working days.”
Holiday Types at a Glance
| Holiday Type | Work Status | Pay if Not Worked | Pay if Worked | Key Notes |
| Regular Holiday | Non-working day | 100% of daily wage | 200% of daily wage | Guaranteed pay if present or on paid leave before the holiday |
| Special Non-Working Holiday | Usually non-working | No work, no pay (unless company policy applies) | 130% of daily wage (150% if rest day) | Pay depends on whether you are required to work |
| Special Working Holiday | Ordinary working day | No work, no pay | 100% of daily wage | No mandatory premium pay required |
This table provides a quick reference; however, always verify company policy with your Human Resources (HR) department and official DOLE advisories for specific situations.
Why Holiday Classification Matters for Filipino Employees
Holiday classification directly affects your take-home pay. Hence, misunderstanding the difference between a regular holiday and a special non-working holiday can lead to incorrect expectations and, in some cases, incorrect payroll computations. This is especially relevant for employees working in:
- BPO and outsourcing roles
- Customer support and 24/7 operations
- Companies that follow the US, EU, or other foreign holiday calendars
Even if your client observes overseas holidays, Philippine labor law still applies to holiday pay for employees who are employed locally.
Common Holiday Pay Questions
What is the difference between a regular holiday and a special non-working holiday?
The difference between a regular holiday and a special non-working holiday is that regular holidays guarantee 100% pay even if you do not work, while special non-working holidays usually follow a no work, no pay rule unless company policy provides otherwise. Working on these days also comes with different premium rates.
Do I still get paid if I do not work on a holiday?
Whether you get paid if you do not work on a holiday depends on the type of holiday. Regular holidays provide guaranteed pay, while special non-working and special working holidays usually do not, unless your employer grants pay voluntarily.
What if the holiday falls on my rest day?
If a holiday falls on your rest day and you are required to work, your pay is computed with additional premiums depending on whether the holiday is regular or special non-working.
Where to Find the Official Holiday List
Holiday classifications are announced annually and may change from year to year. For a comprehensive, updated breakdown of specific dates and their corresponding holiday types, refer to our detailed guide on Philippine Holidays 2026, which explains each holiday and its pay implications in full.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the difference between regular holidays, special non-working holidays, and special working holidays helps Filipino employees protect their rights and understand their payslips with confidence, fostering more effective conversations between employees and employers, rooted in clarity rather than assumptions.
If you want to plan your work schedule, budget your income, or simply avoid surprises on payday, staying informed about holiday classifications is a practical step that pays off.
Appreciate workplaces that respect your time off and plan holidays well? If you’re looking for a company that understands Philippine holidays, communicates schedules clearly, and values work-life balance alongside performance, visit our Careers Page. Explore open roles and see if you are a great fit for #LifeAtReliasourcing.
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