Do not easily believe unverified information you see on memes across the social media, especially those that declare December 8, 2017 as a national non-working holiday.
To set the record straight, Malacañang has not declared the date as a non-working holiday across the country. But there are several provinces and cities nationwide that have cancelled classes and offices in their respective areas, for various reasons.
Possible cause of confusion
While it is a fact that the House of Representatives approved in November a proposed legislation that will declare December 8 as a special non-working national holiday every year (in celebration of the Catholic Church’s Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary), it is not yet a law, as of this writing.
The bill will have to be approved by the Senate next and must be signed by President Rodrigo Duterte to officially make it a law. The legislative proposal was lodged by Ilocos Norte Representative and House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas.
Holiday declaration in several areas
However, there will be cancellation of classes and work schedules in several cities and provinces. The Office of the President’s Proclamation No. 358 declares December 8 as a special non-working day in Taguig City, which is commemorating its cityhood anniversary on that day.
Proclamation No. 367 declares December 8 as special non-working day in the entire province of Batangas, which is celebrating its founding anniversary.
Meanwhile, Antipolo City will also observe a special non-working day on December 8 to celebrate its 426th foundation anniversary (as per Proclamation No. 357).
Other areas that have declared special non-working holiday on December 8 (for their respective founding anniversaries) are Angeles City (Pampanga), Agoo (La Union), and Batac (Ilococ Norte).
Several Catholic schools and universities have also announced cancellation of classes on December 8 in observance of the religious commemoration. Among those are: University of Santo Tomas, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Holy Cross of Davao College (Davao), and Baliuag University (Bulacan).
You can refresh this page throughout the day for the latest updates on possible class and office work cancellations in other areas and universities on December 8.