HOLIDAY REDUCTION TO IMPROVE COMPETITIVENESS - SENATE

Senate President Escudero said there are too many holidays in the country, plans to make it fewer (Photo courtesy of Mark Demayo/ABS-CBN News)

The Senate is studying to reduce the number of holidays in the Philippines, in 2024 there are ten regular holidays in addition to special non-working holidays and various religious observances. This is in addition to local holidays that are also celebrated in different towns, cities, and provinces.

Although this is in favor of employees who want a break from work, Senate President Chiz Escudero is worried that too many holidays are already affecting the competitiveness of the Philippines in the field of doing business. So, they plan to limit the passage of such proposals.

“The Senate has agreed to limit the holidays. All in all, the holidays in our country take up more than one month in the country, which makes Philippine companies and workers less competitive,” Escudero said.

“Because our competitors from other countries aren’t requiring these companies to pay double because it just happens to be a holiday and it has nothing to do with the country they work in, especially in the call center,” he added.

Another solution seen by Escudero is to combine similar occasions into a single holiday. Like a day commemorating heroes and presidents like they do in America. “The only problem is, it’s a fight, but there’s no need to do it now, let’s just start the process, and formulate it.”

According to the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, they have previously been promoting the holiday reduction. “The investors were turned off. They don’t understand why the Philippines is so inclined to declare holidays.”

But according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), holidays doesn’t just give money but also rest. “You will give the workers a proper schedule so they can avail their vacation. Because that is also part of addressing work-life quality.”

Source: ABS-CBN News 

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