PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has declared Nov. 13 to 15 special non-working days in Metro Manila, Bulacan and Pampanga following the Philippines’ hosting of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Meetings.
He made the announcement in Proclamation 332 after the Asean 2017 National Organizing Council recommended that the dates affected by the summit be declared special non-working days because of the Asean activities in the provinces and in the capital.
The Supreme Court likewise suspended work for all first- and second-level courts in Metro Manila, Bulacan and Pampanga.
The suspension also covers the Supreme Court and third-level courts: the Sandiganbayan, the Court of Appeals and the Court of Tax Appeals.
The Metro Manila Development Authority on Sunday said the North Luzon Expressway and some areas in Metro Manila would be affected by the Asean Summit because of a stop-and-go traffic scheme to help delegates get around.
Classes in both private and public schools will likely be suspended following the declaration.
The Metro Manila Council earlier said it was suspending classes in all levels in Metro Manila for public and private schools on Nov. 16 and 17. The MMC is composed of all mayors in the metropolis.
Under the pay rules set by the Department of Labor and Employment, the “no work, no pay” principle will apply unless there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement granting employees payments on special non-working days.
Employees who will work during the special days will be paid an additional 30 percent of their daily rate for the first eight hours of work. With Rey E. Requejo
