MANILA – Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced that the Senate is considering a proposal to reduce the number of holidays observed in the Philippines.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Escudero expressed concern that the numerous city, municipal, provincial, and national holidays are diminishing the country’s competitiveness.
“Yung holiday nagkasundo ang Senado na limitahin ang mga holiday. Mahigit isang buwan na ang holiday sa buong bansa, which makes Philippine companies and workers less competitive,” Escudero said.
Escudero suggested that the Philippines might adopt a system similar to the United States’ Presidents’ Day, where multiple significant figures are honored on a single holiday.
“Lahat nung magagaling nilang presidente, pinagsama-sama nila sa isang araw na lang na holiday. Tayo hindi eh, may Araw ng Kagitingan, may National Heroes Day, bawat bayani nung pinatay sila may holiday na naman diba,” Escudero said.
He further noted the potential conflict over the proposal but emphasized the need to start the discussion.
“Ang problema lang, away ‘yan eh, pero hindi naman kailangang gawin ngayon, simulan lang natin yung proseso, hayaan mong mag-formulate siya, mapagpasyahan…because I tell you, it’s making our – the Filipino workers less competitive, because our competitors from other countries aren’t requiring these companies to pay double dahil nagkataon lamang na holiday at wala namang kinalaman dun sa bansang pinagtatrabahuhan nila, lalo na sa call center,” he added.