The Office of the President has released the official list of Philippine holidays for 2026, giving employees and employers a clear view of the year’s critical observances affecting work schedules, compensation, and operational continuity. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

Types of Philippine Holidays

Holidays in the Philippines fall under three main categories, each with unique rules for pay and observance:

  • Regular Holidays. Non-working days where employees are entitled to 100% pay even if they don’t report to work. Those who do work receive 200% of their daily wage.
  • Special Non-Working Holidays. The “no work, no pay” rule usually applies, unless the employer says otherwise. If employees are required to work, they earn 130% of their daily rate, or 150% if it falls on a rest day.
  • Special Working Holidays. Treated as ordinary working days. Employees receive their regular daily wage, with no additional pay mandated. Employers, however, may choose to grant incentives.

Regular Holidays for 2026

Some of the most widely observed holidays fall under this category. Employees who work on these dates receive double pay.

  • New Year’s Day – January 1
  • Maundy Thursday & Good Friday – April 2–3
  • Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) – April 9
  • Labor Day – May 1
  • Independence Day – June 12
  • National Heroes Day – August 31
  • Bonifacio Day – November 30
  • Christmas Day – December 25
  • Rizal Day – December 30

Authorities will declare Islamic celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha regular holidays, subject to the official announcement of exact dates based on the Islamic lunar calendar.

Special Non-Working Holidays for 2026 

These days carry the “no work, no pay” principle unless the employer has a policy to grant wages.

  • Chinese New Year – February 17
  • Black Saturday – April 4
  • Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21
  • All Saints’ Day – November 1
  • All Souls’ Day  – November 2
  • Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – December 8
  • Christmas Eve – December 24
  • New Year’s Eve – December 31

Special Working Holidays for 2026

The government may declare certain observances as special working holidays, treating them like regular workdays. For example, in 2025 and 2026, the government categorizes the EDSA People Power Anniversary as a special working holiday. Employees should watch for similar announcements in 2026.

Holidays & Pay Rules: A Quick Guide

Holiday TypeWorkedDid Not Work
Regular Holiday200% of daily wage100% of daily wage
Special Non-Working Holiday130% of daily wageNo work, no pay*
Special Working Holiday100% of daily wageNo work, no pay

*Some employers voluntarily grant pay on special non-working holidays.

A Comprehensive Breakdown on 2026 PH Holidays

DateHolidayTypeCompensation
January 1New Year’s DayRegular Holiday100% if no work; 200% if worked
February 17Chinese New YearSpecial Non-Working HolidayNo work, no pay; 130% if worked; 150% if rest day worked
February 25EDSA People Power AnniversarySpecial Working HolidayNo work, no pay; 100% if worked
April 2Maundy ThursdayRegular Holiday100% if no work; 200% if worked
April 3Good FridayRegular Holiday100% if no work; 200% if worked
April 4Black SaturdaySpecial Non-Working HolidayNo work, no pay; 130% if worked; 150% if rest day worked
April 9Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)Regular Holiday100% if no work; 200% if worked
May 1Labor DayRegular Holiday100% if no work; 200% if worked
June 12Independence DayRegular Holiday100% if no work; 200% if worked
August 21Ninoy Aquino DaySpecial Non-Working HolidayNo work, no pay; 130% if worked; 150% if rest day worked
August 31National Heroes DayRegular Holiday100% if no work; 200% if worked
November 1All Saints’ DaySpecial Non-Working HolidayNo work, no pay; 130% if worked; 150% if rest day worked
November 2All Souls’ DaySpecial Non-Working HolidayNo work, no pay; 130% if worked; 150% if rest day worked
November 30Bonifacio DayRegular Holiday100% if no work; 200% if worked
December 8Feast of the Immaculate ConceptionSpecial Non-Working HolidayNo work, no pay; 130% if worked; 150% if rest day worked
December 24Christmas EveSpecial Non-Working HolidayNo work, no pay; 130% if worked; 150% if rest day worked
December 25Christmas DayRegular Holiday100% if no work; 200% if worked
December 30Rizal Day   Regular Holiday100% if no work; 200% if worked
December 31New Year’s EveSpecial Non-Working HolidayNo work, no pay; 130% if worked; 150% if rest day worked
TBAEid al-FitrRegular Holiday100% if no work; 200% if worked
TBAEid al-AdhaRegular Holiday100% if no work; 200% if worked

Why Knowing Holiday Classifications Matters

Employees need to understand holiday pay to ensure their compensation is accurately calculated. For employers, adhering to DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) guidelines helps prevent disputes and fosters trust with staff. In industries such as outsourcing and customer service, where 24/7 operations are standard, communicating schedules early is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions About Philippine Holidays 2026

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 a regular holiday entitles employees to 100% of their daily wage even if they don’t work, and 200% if they do, while a special non-working holiday follows the “no work, no pay” rule unless the company policy says otherwise. If you work on a special non-working holiday, you’re entitled to 130% of your daily wage, or 150% if it falls on a rest day.

What does it mean if a holiday is declared a special working holiday?

If a holiday is declared as a special working holiday, it means that it’s like an ordinary workday. Employees only receive their standard daily wage, with no additional compensation required. However, some employers may offer incentives at their discretion.

Do I still get holiday pay if I don’t work on a regular holiday?

Yes. You still get holiday pay even if you don’t work on a regular holiday, since employees are entitled to 100% of their daily wage even if they don’t report to work. Just note that it does not come with deductions nor any additional compensation.

How is holiday pay computed if the holiday falls on my rest day?

If a holiday falls on your rest day, the holiday pay is computed depending on what kind of holiday it is. If a regular holiday falls on your rest day and you work, you’re entitled to 260% of your daily wage. For a special non-working holiday that falls on a rest day, the pay is 150% of your daily wage if you work.

What happens if my company follows foreign holidays but I work in the Philippines?

If your company follows foreign holidays but you work in the Philippines, Philippine labor law still applies, meaning you’re still entitled to the correct holiday pay for Philippine holidays if you’re required to work even if your client operations follow overseas holidays (for example, US federal holidays).

Final Thoughts

The Philippine holidays in 2026 reflect a mix of cultural traditions, religious observances, and national history. If you’re planning travel, family gatherings, or work schedules, knowing how these dates are classified is key to making the most of the year ahead.

For employees, it’s important to ensure that they receive fair compensation. For businesses, it’s about balancing compliance with operational needs. The 2026 holiday calendar sets your roadmap for rest, reflection, and productivity.

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