Planning your work, pay, and time off in 2026 starts with knowing which days truly count. Understanding Philippine holidays and their pay rules can help you avoid costly mistakes, maximize benefits, and plan smarter for the year ahead.
The official list of Philippine holidays for 2026 has been announced by Malacañang through Proclamation No. 1006, outlining all regular holidays, special non-working holidays, and special working days that will be observed nationwide.
This guide goes beyond simply listing the dates. It explains what each type of holiday means, how holiday pay in the Philippines for 2026 works.
Whether you’re an employee checking your holiday pay and leave options, an employer or HR professional ensuring compliance with labor rules, or a family or traveler planning vacations around Philippine holidays in 2026, this article gives you everything you need in one place—accurate, easy to understand, and practical to use.
Official List of Philippine Holidays for 2026
(Based on Proclamation No. 1006)
The Philippine government has officially declared the nationwide holidays for 2026 through Proclamation No. 1006, signed by the President of the Philippines. These holidays are grouped into regular holidays, special non-working holidays, and special working days, as each category follows different pay rules and work arrangements.
Understanding these classifications is important, especially for employees, employers, and business owners, as they directly affect holiday pay, work schedules, and leave planning.
Regular Holidays in the Philippines (2026)
A regular holiday is a legally mandated holiday where employees are entitled to 100% of their daily wage even if they do not work, and at least 200% of their daily wage if they are required to report for work.
Below is the list of regular Philippine holidays for 2026, including their corresponding dates and days of the week for easy reference and planning.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| April 2 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 9 | Thursday | Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) |
| May 1 | Friday | Labor Day |
| June 12 | Friday | Independence Day |
| August 31 | Monday | National Heroes Day |
| November 30 | Monday | Bonifacio Day |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| December 30 | Wednesday | Rizal Day |
Important note: If an employee works on a regular holiday, they are entitled to 200% of their daily wage for the first eight hours of work. Any work beyond eight hours is paid with an additional 30% premium on top of the holiday rate.
Special Non-Working Holidays (2026)
A special non-working holiday generally follows the “no work, no pay” principle, unless the company has a policy, collective bargaining agreement, or established practice that provides otherwise. If an employee works on these days, they are typically entitled to an additional 30% of their daily wage.
The table below lists all Special Non-Working Holidays in the Philippines for 2026, showing the specific dates and days to help employees understand pay implications and assist employers in workforce planning.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| February 17 | Tuesday | Chinese New Year |
| April 4 | Saturday | Black Saturday |
| August 21 | Friday | Ninoy Aquino Day |
| November 1 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day |
| November 2 | Monday | All Souls’ Day |
| December 8 | Tuesday | Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary |
| December 24 | Thursday | Christmas Eve |
| December 31 | Thursday | Last Day of the Year |
Common misconception: Special non-working holidays are not automatically paid unless work is performed or company policy states otherwise.
Special Working Day (2026)
For 2026, February 25 (Wednesday) — the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary — is classified as a special working day, meaning employees are still required to report for work while honoring the event’s national significance.
Unlike regular or special non-working holidays:
- Employees are expected to report for work
- Work performed is paid at the regular daily rate
- The “no work, no pay” principle applies
Proclamation No. 1006 designates February 25, 2026, as a special working day to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, while maintaining regular work schedules to promote economic productivity and operational continuity.
This classification often causes confusion, which is why it’s important to distinguish it from other holiday types.
Additional Special Non-Working Days
In addition to fixed holidays, the government has declared several additional special non-working days to encourage family time, religious observance, and domestic tourism.
These include:
- Chinese New Year
- Black Saturday
- All Souls’ Day
- Christmas Eve
These days follow the same pay rules as other special non-working holidays and apply nationwide, unless otherwise specified.
What Do These Holiday Types Mean? (Simple Explanation)
Understanding the different types of holidays in the Philippines is crucial for employees, employers, and business owners. Each type has distinct pay rules, work expectations, and planning implications. Below is a simple explanation of regular holidays, special non-working holidays, and special working days, along with real-world examples to make it easy to understand.
Regular Holiday
A regular holiday is a day mandated by law where employees are entitled to full pay, whether they work or not.
Pay Rules:
- If you do not work: Employees still receive 100% of their daily wage.
- If you work: Employees are entitled to 200% of their daily wage, excluding overtime pay.
Example: If your regular monthly salary is ₱20,000, and you are required to work on Christmas Day, you earn double your daily rate for that day.
Why it matters: Regular holidays include major national celebrations like New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Rizal Day. Understanding this ensures employees know their pay rights and employers remain compliant.
Special Non-Working Holiday
A special non-working holiday is observed nationwide but typically follows the “no work, no pay” principle. Exceptions may exist if your company has specific policies or agreements.
Pay Rules:
- If you do not work: Usually no pay, unless company policy says otherwise.
- If you work: Employees are generally entitled to an additional 30% of their daily wage.
Example: Working on All Saints’ Day as a regular employee could earn you 30% extra for that day. If your company chooses to provide pay even when not working, you benefit from both the holiday observance and company policy.
Common Misconceptions: Many employees assume special non-working holidays are automatically paid. Always check company policy, as pay is not guaranteed by law.
Special Working Day
A special working day is a holiday where employees are expected to report for work. The main example in 2026 is the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary (February 25).
Pay Rules:
- Work performed is paid at the regular daily rate.
- No extra premiums apply unless overtime rules are triggered.
Example: If your shift falls on February 25 and you report as usual, your pay is calculated as a regular working day.
Why it matters: Special working days often confuse employees who expect holiday pay. Clear understanding prevents payroll mistakes and ensures compliance with Philippine labor law.
Quick Holiday Pay Comparison
| Holiday Type | Pay if Not Worked | Pay if Worked | Examples |
| Regular Holiday | 100% of daily wage | 200% of daily wage | New Year’s Day, Independence Day |
| Special Non-Working | No pay (unless company policy) | +30% of daily wage | All Saints’ Day, Christmas Eve |
| Special Working | Regular pay only | Regular pay only | EDSA People Power Anniversary |
Holiday Pay in the Philippines 2026 (Quick Guide)
Understanding holiday pay in the Philippines is essential for employees, employers, and freelancers alike. The pay rules differ depending on whether the holiday is a regular holiday, special non-working holiday, or special working day. Below is a clear, simple guide to help you calculate pay and plan your long weekends in 2026.
Holiday Pay Summary Table
| Holiday Type | Pay if Not Worked | Pay if Worked | Falls on Rest Day | Notes |
| Regular Holiday | 100% of daily wage | 200% of daily wage | 200% if worked; 100% if rest day is compensated | Applies to holidays like New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Rizal Day |
| Special Non-Working Holiday | Usually no pay (unless company policy states otherwise) | +30% of daily wage | Same as above | Includes All Saints’ Day, Christmas Eve, and other additional holidays |
| Special Working Day | Regular pay | Regular pay | Regular pay | Example: EDSA People Power Anniversary (Feb 25) |
Tip: Knowing the holiday type helps you plan leave, avoid payroll errors, and maximize long weekends.
Sample Holiday Pay Scenarios
1. Working on a Regular Holiday
- Scenario: You earn ₱1,000/day and work on Christmas Day.
- Pay Calculation: ₱1,000 × 200% = ₱2,000
- Takeaway: Working on a regular holiday doubles your daily wage.
2. Not Working on a Special Non-Working Holiday
- Scenario: All Saints’ Day falls on a Sunday and you don’t work.
- Pay Calculation: ₱1,000 × 0% = ₱0 (unless company policy states otherwise)
- Takeaway: Special non-working holidays are generally unpaid if you don’t work.
3. Holiday Falls on a Rest Day
- Scenario: Independence Day falls on your scheduled day off. You are asked to work.
- Pay Calculation: 200% of daily wage if it’s a regular holiday; 130% if it’s a special non-working holiday
- Takeaway: Rest-day work on holidays is always paid above the regular daily rate.
4. Special Working Day Example
- Scenario: EDSA People Power Anniversary (Feb 25)
- Pay Calculation: Regular daily wage (no extra premium)
- Takeaway: Special working days are treated like normal workdays, so pay is not doubled or increased.
Quick Takeaways
- Regular Holidays: Always paid; work = double pay.
- Special Non-Working Holidays: Usually unpaid if not worked; work = 30% extra.
- Special Working Days: Paid as normal; no extra premium.
- Rest-Day Exceptions: Pay rules change if holidays overlap with scheduled days off.
Important Notes & Updates for Philippine Holidays 2026
While most holidays for 2026 have already been officially declared, some dates are still pending, and a few details may change. Staying informed ensures that employees, employers, and travelers can plan effectively.
- Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadan): Date will be announced later based on the Islamic calendar.
- Eid’l Adha: Date will also be confirmed once lunar calculations are finalized.
- Future Proclamations: Occasionally, additional holidays or changes may be declared by Malacañang.
- Official Source: Always refer to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) for the latest updates and official proclamations.
Planning Tip: Until these dates are officially announced, avoid finalizing work schedules, travel bookings, or leave requests that rely on pending holidays. Bookmark the official PCO updates to ensure you don’t miss any changes.
Final Summary – Plan Your 2026 Smarter
Planning ahead can help you maximize long weekends, manage holiday pay, and avoid scheduling conflicts. Here’s a quick checklist to make the most of your 2026 holidays:
- Review All Holidays: Check the full list of regular holidays, special non-working holidays, and special working days.
- Understand Holiday Pay Rules: Know the pay implications for working or not working on each type of holiday.
- Plan Long Weekends: Combine holidays with leave strategically to enjoy extended breaks.
- Monitor Pending Holidays: Keep track of dates for Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha, as they may impact schedules and travel plans.
- Stay Informed: Bookmark the PCO website or subscribe to official updates for accurate announcements.
