In a move to grant government employees a more extended holiday season, Malacañang has officially suspended work in all national government offices on two specific days surrounding the New Year.
Official Declaration and Key Dates
Through Memorandum Circular No. 111, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Thursday under the authority of the President, the Palace has ordered the suspension of work on Monday, December 29, 2025, and Friday, January 2, 2026.
The circular explicitly states the rationale behind the decision: to provide government workers with the "full opportunity to celebrate New Year's Day activities" and to facilitate travel to and from various regions across the Philippines.
Creating an Extended Holiday Break
This suspension strategically creates a longer consecutive break for public sector employees. The designated days bookend existing regular holidays:
- December 30, 2025 (Tuesday): Rizal Day, a regular holiday.
- January 1, 2026 (Thursday): New Year's Day, a regular holiday.
Furthermore, December 31, 2025 (Wednesday) has been previously proclaimed as a special non-working day nationwide. This sequence effectively provides most government employees with a five-day break from December 28 (Saturday) through January 1, with work resuming only on Monday, January 5, 2026, after the added suspension on January 2.
Exemptions for Essential Services
The memorandum includes a crucial exemption clause. Frontline agencies responsible for delivering basic and health services, as well as those involved in disaster preparedness and response, are required to remain fully operational during the suspension period.
This ensures that critical public services, including hospitals, emergency response units, and other vital utilities, continue without interruption for the safety and welfare of the general public.
Implications for the Private Sector
The order from Malacañang applies specifically to government offices. For private companies and offices, the decision to suspend work on the mentioned dates is left entirely to the discretion of their respective management or company heads.
Employees in the private sector are advised to coordinate with their human resources departments or employers for the official holiday schedule and work arrangements during this period.
This annual announcement provides clarity for millions of employees and aids in nationwide holiday planning, balancing celebration with the continuity of essential government functions.
