FEB. 25 is not included in the list of public holidays released by Malacañang Palace, ABS-CBNnews.com reported yesterday.
The website quoted Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo as saying that the Arroyo administration has activities lined up for that day to celebrate the 1986 revolution that ousted former president Ferdinand Marcos and installed Corazon Aquino into power.
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Fajardo, according to the ABS-CBNnews.com report, told critics not to impute malice on the decision not to declare Feb. 25, Ash Wednesday, a holiday. Former presidents Aquino, Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada included the date in the list of official holidays during their terms.
The holidays this year were set by Proclamation 1699 issued by the President late last year.
The closest nationwide holiday is the run-up to the the Easter break. The observance of Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, a Thursday, was moved to the nearest Monday which is April 6 in line with the President’s holiday economics.
This will be followed by the Easter holidays from April 9, Maundy Thursday, until April 12, Easter Sunday. (From ABS-CBNnews.com)