Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21) — Malacañang on Thursday clarified that Dec. 22 remains a regular working day, as it debunked a circulating document claiming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared it a special half-working day.
The fake document stated that Marcos declared Dec. 22, a Friday, as a special half-working day to allow Filipinos “to travel earlier to their respective residences and provinces” to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the supposed “Proclamation No. 427” making rounds online — and which was also shared by Presidential Assistant for Strategic Communications Cesar Chavez — was not issued by Malacañang.
“This proclamation lacks official verification or recognition by the government. Please rely on official government sources for accurate information and refrain from disseminating unverified claims,” read a post by the Official Gazette, which is managed by the PCO.
The Official Gazette website showed that the real Proclamation No. 427 — which was uploaded earlier in the day — is unrelated to the holiday season.
In a statement, Chavez apologized for posting the false information, saying he takes full responsibility for it. The former transportation official was appointed by Marcos to his new role as presidential assistant just earlier this month.
“Apologies. I posted a content that was not first verified by me,” Chavez wrote. “For the confusion, the blame should be on me. I take full responsibility for this.”
Last week, Marcos declared Dec. 26, Tuesday, a special non-working day nationwide to allow the public to enjoy a long weekend as this year’s Christmas day, a regular holiday, falls on a Monday.
