MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expanded the coverage of special non-working days for the 48th ASEAN Summit to include Cebu City and Mandaue City, adding to the previously declared holiday areas of Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova Municipality.
Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto signed Proclamation No. 1239 on May 5, 2026, by authority of President Marcos, amending the earlier Proclamation No. 1238 that was issued just one day prior. The amendment significantly broadens the geographic scope of the work suspension to accommodate ASEAN Summit logistics.
Four Local Government Units Now Under Holiday Coverage
Under the amended proclamation, May 6 to 8, 2026 are now declared special non-working days in four local government units: the City of Cebu, City of Mandaue, City of Lapu-Lapu, and the Municipality of Cordova, all in Cebu Province.
The original Proclamation No. 1238, signed on May 4, had limited the holiday coverage to Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova town. Both locations are situated on Mactan Island, where the majority of ASEAN delegations are being accommodated during the summit.
The expansion reflects the logistical complexities of hosting one of Southeast Asia's most significant diplomatic gatherings, requiring coordination across multiple urban centers in the Cebu metropolitan area.
Traffic Management and Security Concerns Drive Amendment
According to Malacañang, the inclusion of Cebu City and Mandaue City was necessary because these areas have been identified as key transport routes for ASEAN delegates. The administration cited traffic alleviation and delegate security as primary reasons for the expanded work suspension.
"In order to alleviate traffic and to allow the host country to secure the safety of participants in the said event, it is necessary to declare 06-08 May 2026 as special (non-working) days also in the City of Cebu and in the City of Mandaue," the proclamation stated.
The decision underscores the extensive security and logistical preparations required for international summits, particularly when multiple cities serve as transit points for high-level delegations.
Philippines Hosts Major ASEAN Diplomatic Gathering
The Philippines is serving as host for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, with the bulk of activities centered in Cebu's premier resort destinations. Senior Officials' and Ministerial Preparatory Meetings are scheduled to run from May 6 to 7 at two luxury venues: Dusit Thani Mactan and Shangri-La Mactan.
The summit will formally open on May 8 at the Mactan Expo in Mactan Newtown, followed by a series of leaders' meetings, a working lunch, and a retreat session at Shangri-La Mactan. The venue selection reflects the Philippines' strategy to showcase its tourism infrastructure while providing world-class facilities for diplomatic discussions.
At least 11 heads of state from ASEAN member countries are expected to attend the summit, representing the 10-member bloc that includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The gathering will address regional economic cooperation, security challenges, and strategic partnerships.
Massive Security Deployment for Summit Protection
The Philippine government has deployed more than 7,300 personnel from various government security and emergency response agencies to ensure the safety and security of the international event. This substantial security presence spans multiple agencies and reflects the high-stakes nature of the diplomatic gathering.
The security deployment covers not only the immediate summit venues but also extends to transportation corridors, airports, and accommodation facilities used by the delegations. The coordinated effort involves the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and specialized security units.
Such extensive security measures are standard for ASEAN summits, given the presence of multiple heads of state and the sensitive nature of regional diplomatic discussions.
Employee Pay Guidelines During Special Non-Working Days
Under Department of Labor and Employment policies, specific pay rules apply during the declared special non-working days. The "no work, no pay" principle applies to employees who choose not to report for work during May 6-8 in the affected cities.
However, workers who do report for duty during these special non-working days are entitled to compensation benefits. Specifically, they will receive an additional 30 percent of their daily wage for the first eight hours of work, providing financial incentive for essential services to continue operating.
These pay guidelines ensure that critical services remain operational while recognizing the voluntary nature of work during special non-working days. Businesses in the affected areas can adjust their operations accordingly, with some choosing to remain closed while others maintain limited services.
Official Documentation and Legal Framework
The proclamation was certified as a true copy by Atty. Lovely V. Tolentino-Nava, Director IV of the Malacañang Records Office, ensuring proper legal documentation of the presidential directive. This certification process is standard for presidential proclamations and provides official verification of the document's authenticity.
The quick turnaround between the original and amended proclamations—issued just one day apart—demonstrates the dynamic nature of summit planning and the government's responsiveness to evolving logistical requirements.
Presidential proclamations declaring special non-working days are common tools used by the Philippine government to facilitate major events, manage traffic, and ensure public safety during significant national or international gatherings.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Malacañang