Malacañang has declared September 10, Friday, a regular holiday.

President Benigno Aquino on Friday proclaimed Eidul Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, a holiday.

This makes the next weekend, September 10-12, a 3-day holiday.

Republic Act No. 9177, signed into law in November 2002 during the Arroyo presidency, declares the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, a national holiday for the observance of Eidul Fitr.

“Eidul Fitr is the first day marking the end of the thirty (30)-day fasting period of Ramadhan,” said RA 9177.

Eidul Fitr day depends on the Islamic calendar.

RA 9177 says “the approximate date of these Islamic holidays may be determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient.”

Malacañang on Wednesday said August 23, which falls on a Monday, will remain a regular working day while August 21, a Saturday and also Ninoy Aquino Day, is a non-working holiday.

A statement from the presidential palace said President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III is empowered under Republic Act 9492 to modify holidays by law, order or proclamation.

“The purpose for observing Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21 instead of August 23 is to avoid the imposition of unnecessary financial burden upon the employers, ensure the continuity of government, business, and commercial transaction, promote productivity, while at the same time preserve the solemnity of the observance,” the statement read.

Last year, then President Gloria Arroyo issued a proclamation declaring August 23, 2010 as a special holiday. The proclamation is in line with RA 9492 or the holiday economics law that requires that most holidays, except those with religious significance, be shifted to the nearest Monday.

President Aquino earlier told reporters that he is uncomfortable with the idea of declaring a special non-working holiday to commemorate the death of his father, the late Sen. Benigno S. Aquino, on August 21.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s inauguration on June 30 (Wednesday) a special non-working holiday, a Malacañang official announced Thursday.

Presidential Management Staff chief Elena Bautista-Horn said presidential spokesperson Ricardo Saludo will issue a statement about the holiday declaration.

The inauguration of Aquino, the 15th Philippine president, at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park (formerly Luneta) in Manila is expected to be simple, but star-studded.

Aquino is slated to fetch Arroyo from Malacañang. When they arrive at the Quirino Grandstand, Arroyo will be given arrival honors.

The 2 presidents will shake hands and then Arroyo will make her exit.

According to inaugural spokesperson Manolo Quezon, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and House Speaker Prospero Nograles will read the proclamation.

Vice President-elect Jejomar “Jojo” Binay will then take his oath, followed by Aquino.

A 21-gun salute to the new commander-in-chief will follow and then he will deliver his inaugural address.

At this point, there will be a slight break in tradition because inaugural committee co-chair Maria Montelibano said this was a people’s campaign and Aquino is the people’s president.

“Panata ng taong bayan… ‘Di lang dapat ang pangulo ang mag-o-oath taking,” said Montelibano.

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the Madrigal Singers will perform “Bayan Ko.”

After the inauguration, a Cabinet meeting and an inaugural reception are scheduled at the Palace.

At night, a street party will be held at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

Various groups and sectors will even get a chance for a photo-opportunity with Aquino and Binay.

“Alam mo naman ang Pilipino, mahilig sa kodakan,” commented Montelibano.

Montelibano, meanwhile, promised that the program will also be star-studded. She said concert artists Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera and even the disbanded Apo Hiking Society will do a reprise.

She added that Aquino might just have a surprise number: “Baka mag-song and dance siya.”