The term “Special Working Holiday” has been creating buzz recently, especially after incumbent President Bongbong Marcos Jr. announced that the 39th EDSA People Power Anniversary would be classified as such—unlike in previous years when it was considered a regular holiday. But what does this mean for employees and businesses?
Types of Philippine Holidays
The Philippines observes several types of holidays, each with different implications for workers and employers as explained by the Department of Labor and Employment, which are primarily categorized as:
Regular Holidays. Employees receive full pay on non-working days, even if they do not report to work. Employees who attend on a regular holiday receive 200% of their daily wage (double pay). Examples include New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and Christmas Day.
Special Non-working Holidays. Unlike regular holidays, employees do not automatically receive pay if they do not work on these days. Those who work are entitled to an additional 30% of their daily wage. Holidays here include Ninoy Aquino Day and All Saints’ Day.
Special Working Holidays. This is where things get different. Special working holidays are considered regular working days, meaning no additional pay is required for employees who work on these days. However, companies may choose to offer incentives at their discretion. The 39th EDSA People Power Anniversary, as declared in 2025, falls under this category.
| Regular Holiday | Special Non-working Holiday | Special Working Holiday | |
| Worked | 200% of daily wage | 130% of daily wage | 100% of daily wage |
| Did not work | 100% of daily wage | No Work, No Pay* | No Work, No Pay |
*Some companies compensate their employees with 100% of their daily wage.
What’s in the Special Working Holiday for Employees?
For employees, these holidays don’t guarantee extra compensation unless provided by their employer. Some key considerations for workers include:
- No mandatory additional pay. Unlike regular and special non-working holidays, working on a special working holiday does not entitle employees to premium rates.
- Discretionary flexibility in work arrangements. Some companies may offer compensatory time off or shift adjustments to accommodate employees working on these days.
- Business as usual. Since these holidays are treated as regular workdays, employees are expected to report to work unless their company decides otherwise.
For a summary of nationwide holidays, here’s a list from the Official Gazette.
Follow us at @reliasourcingph on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more information on the latest trends and insights in outsourcing, the industry, and the Philippines.
About Reliasourcing
Reliasourcing is a premier outsourcing solutions provider in the Philippines, delivering tailored services that help businesses across industries achieve operational efficiency and scalability. With a strong focus on customer experience and innovation, Reliasourcing continues to be a trusted partner for companies looking to unlock their potential through outsourcing.
