pinoytumblr:

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Wednesday said August 23, which falls on a Monday, will remain a regular working day while August 21, a Saturday and also Ninoy Aquino Day, is a non-working holiday.

A statement from the presidential palace said President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III is empowered under Republic Act 9492 to modify holidays by law, order or proclamation.

“The purpose for observing Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21 instead of August 23 is to avoid the imposition of unnecessary financial burden upon the employers, ensure the continuity of government, business, and commercial transaction, promote productivity, while at the same time preserve the solemnity of the observance,” the statement read.

Last year, then President Gloria Arroyo issued a proclamation declaring August 23, 2010 as a special holiday. The proclamation is in line with RA 9492 or the holiday economics law that requires that most holidays, except those with religious significance, be shifted to the nearest Monday.

President Aquino earlier told reporters that he is uncomfortable with the idea of declaring a special non-working holiday to commemorate the death of his father, the late Sen. Benigno S. Aquino, on August 21.