TACLOBAN CITY – Many private establishments might have violated the “regular holiday rules” as President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared that yesterday was a non-working holiday.

Under the rue of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), employees who have rendered a full day work during non-working holidays are entitle to received 200 percent to his or her regular salary. “If worked, 200 percent shall apply on the first eight hours and in excess of eight hours, plus thirty percent of the hourly rate on said day,” said DOLE Regional Director Forter Puguon.

Puguon explained that even if an employee did not go to work during non-working holidays, he or she should be paid 100 percent of his or regular salary for that day.

“If the day falls on an employee’s rest day and is unworked, 100 percent shall apply but if worked, pus 30 percent of 200 percent shall apply, and in excess of eight hours, plus 30 percent of the hourly rate on the said day,” he explained.

But if in case of some private firms in the regions, Puguon said that workers are still receiving their salaries with the same amount as in a regular workday.

“Both the management and workers of private firms, must be aw4are of tee rule during holidays,” Puguon said.

He added that the management would be penalized if found violating these rules by the DOLE inspectorate team and if there is a formal complaint that will be filed by the workers themselves.

President Arroyo has declared November 29, 2004 as a nonworking holiday throughout the country in lieu of the regular holiday today (November 30), Bonifacio Day which shall be a normal working day.

The President’s declaration is continued in Proclamation no. 727, which honors Andres Bonifacio in his 141 st birth anniversary.

The non-working holiday on November 29 shall enable Filipino workers better celebrate the occasion, enjoy a longer weekend, and boost domestic tourism, while celebration and activities in honor of Bonifacio Day shall proceed today.