Will Work on March 27, 2024 Be Suspended?
As the Holy Week of 2024 approaches, many Filipinos are wondering if work will be suspended on March 27, 2024, to allow for travel time to their home provinces. This is especially relevant given that March 28 and 29 are Holy Thursday and Good Friday, respectively, both of which are regular holidays in the Philippines.
Historical Precedence
In previous years, it has been customary for some institutions and companies to suspend work on the Wednesday preceding Holy Thursday and Good Friday. This practice aims to provide employees with ample time to prepare for the Holy Week celebrations and to travel to their respective provinces.
The Situation in 2024
However, according to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s Proclamation 368, which he signed in October 2023, March 27, 2024, is not included in the official list of holidays for 2024. Therefore, Holy Wednesday is considered a regular working day this year.
That being said, some institutions have taken the initiative to suspend work for half the day on March 27, 2024. For instance, Ateneo de Manila University has announced the suspension of online and onsite work starting 12 noon on Holy Wednesday, 27 March 2024. This decision was made to provide all employees with ample time to prepare for the Holy Week celebrations.
What Does This Mean for Employees?
While work in government offices and selected private companies are expected to be suspended by noon of March 27, employees may still have to report for work on the said day. The 2022 DOLE Handbook on Workers’ Statutory Monetary Benefits mandates that in cases of back-to-back holidays like Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, “an employee may not be paid for both holidays if he/she absents himself/herself from work on the day immediately preceding the first holiday.” Hence, those who will not report for work on March 27 may end up not being paid for the March 28 and 29 regular holidays unless they are on leave of absence with pay.
In conclusion, while there is no official declaration of a holiday on March 27, 2024, some institutions and companies may choose to suspend work for half the day. It is advisable for employees to check with their respective employers regarding work schedules during the Holy Week.