Yep, it’s supposed to be a non-working holiday today in Manila.
(I’ll give you a moment to curse the Department of Trade and Industry)
They kept it mysteriously quiet the past few weeks when earlier this month, we had multiple announcements about how the government and the government alone (hugas kamay tactic) modified the holiday to be in effect in the ARMM only (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) after being pressured by the DTI citing decreased productivity and typhoons as the main reasons. Apparently the DTI thinks that all businesses and employees are currently located in the Marikina area.
So we have to work today. Big deal, right? The real concern with employees however is how this will affect future holidays. If we’ve already lost two holidays (both with uber lame excuses), what’s stopping the government from going after the other holidays?
By the way, today I issued an offer to my co-workers: “Tell me what holiday today is and I’ll let you work from home”. … we’re all here in the office.
Here are my predictions on how the government will mess with the other previously declared holidays:
Nov 30, 2009 – Bonifacio day
The government announces that the holiday will only be in effect in Fort Bonifacio which will draw ire from companies based there and will end up forcing their people to work… sorry, I meant “giving employees the opportunity to personally take part in improving productivity for our company during these challenging times”. "our" pa talaga no?
(bato bato sa langit...)
Dec 24, 2009 - Additional Special Non-Working Holiday
The government announces that all employees will still be required to work since this holiday is really celebrated in the evening.
Dec 25, 2009 - Christmas
The government brings up the debate on when Jesus was really born and slaps a temporary restraining order on the holiday.
Dec 30, 2009 – Rizal Day
The government announces that everyone’s required to work… then gives a memo based on an
Dec 31, 2009 and Jan 1, 2009 – New Year
The government announces that these 2 days will be non-working holidays. The government however orders all TV stations to air nothing but “Galing at Talino” ads, prompting everyone to work rather than endure another ad from Gibo.
Apr 01, 2010 - Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
The government announces that the holiday is only effective in the ARMM. Go figure.
Apr 9, 2010 - Araw ng Kagitingan
The government announces that the day commemorates the battle of Bataan but suddenly cancels the holiday when they realize “teka… talo tayo dun a!”
May 01, 2010 - Labor Day
The government announces that employees must do labor on labor day.
(Ugh, I’ve been running this joke for 4 straight years now.)
May 10, 2010 - 2010 National Elections
The government renames the day “Vote for Gibo” day. Employees are excused from work only if they provided proof that they voted and one more condition which they can’t mention. Let’s just say only 4% were validly excused.
June 14, 2010 - Independence Day
The country celebrates its independence… from GMA.
Aug 30, 2010 - National Heroes Day
The government announces it’s National Heroes day. Employees take their well deserved day of rest as they learn bit by bit on the importance of this day. Everything’s as planned. Hey, it’s a new government.
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