Philippines President Duterte Declared July 6 a holiday for Eid’l Fitr, saying it was “necessary” to declare the holiday

Duterte declares July 6 a holiday for Eid’l Fitr
by Genalyn Kabiling
July 5, 2016 (updated)

The country will mark its first national holiday under the Duterte administration this week.

President Rodrigo Duterte has declared July 6, Wednesday, as a regular holiday in the country in observance of Eid’l Fitr that marks the end of Ramadan.

In Proclamation No. 6, the President said it was “necessary” to declare the holiday “to bring the religious and cultural significance of Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness.”

“The entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr,” the proclamation read.

The proclamation noted that Eid’l Firt is celebrated by the Muslim world for three days after the end of the month of fasting.

Republic Act No. 9177 declares Eid’l Fitr as a regular holiday throughout the country. The date of the holiday however depends on the Islamic calendar. In 2002, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law Republic Act No. 9177 declaring the 10th month of the Islamic calendar a national holiday for the observance of Eid’l Fitr.

Based on the law, only the Office of the President can announce the final date for this religious holiday, upon the recommendation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. (With a report from PNA)


Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/duterte-declares-july-6-a-holiday-for-eidl-fitr/#QlJOZWUZIQ2J3eDY.99