Gov’t, private firms duped by ‘holiday’ post

Local government units and even human resources heads of private companies got confused yesterday after a Palace official posted a fake memo declaring Dec. 22, 2023 as a “special half-working day.”

Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil dismissed the supposed proclamation, shared by Presidential Assistant for Strategic Communications Cesar Chavez on Facebook, as “fake news.”

“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,” the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement posted on the Official Gazette.

Garafil did not respond to queries about whether Chavez will be held accountable for the faux pas.

Chavez, who directly works under the Office of the President, has since taken down his post and apologized for the confusion it caused.

“Apologies. I also posted content that was not first verified by me.

For the confusion it has created, the blame falls on me. I take full responsibility for this oversight,” he said.

“As a former newsman who has been a stickler for fact-checking, this one evaded me,” Chavez added.

Various LGUs had to post advisories on their respective Facebook pages correcting their misinformation.

President Marcos earlier declared Dec. 26 a special non-working day to give the Filipino people more time to celebrate the Christmas season with their families and loved ones.

“The declaration of Dec. 26, 2023, Tuesday, as an additional special (non-working) day will give the people the full opportunity to celebrate the holiday with their families and loved ones,” Mr. Marcos said in Proclamation 425.

Based on the proclamation, a longer weekend will also promote domestic tourism.

“A longer weekend will encourage families to get together and strengthen their relationship leading to a better society,” the President added.

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