In an unexpected turn of events, Malacanang, the official residence and workplace of the President of the Philippines, has disowned a document that claimed to declare December 22, Friday, as a “special half-working day” across the country. This announcement has left many confused and seeking clarification on the matter.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil swiftly denied the existence of such a circular, stating unequivocally that it is “fake.” The document in question purported to be Proclamation 427, allegedly issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and it claimed that the government work would be suspended early before the weekend due to anticipated heavy traffic as people would rush to leave town for the holidays.
To further emphasize the invalidity of the document, the Official Gazette, the government’s official publication, also issued a warning to the public regarding the sharing of unverified information. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, it clarified that the document circulating as Proclamation No. 427 is false and lacks official verification or recognition by the government. It urged the public to rely on official government sources for accurate information and refrain from disseminating unverified claims.
It is important to note that the only recognized regular holiday during this period is December 25, Christmas Day, which falls on a Monday. This means that December 22, Friday, remains a regular working day for the majority of the population. However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared December 26 as a special non-working day. This decision was made to provide Filipinos with the full opportunity to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones and to promote domestic tourism.
The confusion caused by the fake circular underscores the importance of relying on verified and official sources for information. In the age of social media and instant sharing, it is easy for false information to spread rapidly, causing unnecessary panic and confusion among the public. The government’s swift response in discrediting the document and urging caution is commendable and serves as a reminder to be vigilant in verifying information before accepting it as fact.
It is worth noting that the dissemination of false information can have serious consequences, both for individuals and society as a whole. In this case, the fake circular could have led to disruptions in work schedules, confusion among employees, and unnecessary travel arrangements. By relying on official government sources, individuals can ensure that they have accurate and reliable information to make informed decisions.
While the incident of the fake circular may have caused momentary confusion, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and verifying information before accepting it as true. In an era of misinformation and fake news, it is crucial to rely on credible sources and exercise caution when sharing information.
In conclusion, the document claiming to declare December 22 as a “special half-working day” in the Philippines has been proven to be fake. The government has disowned the circular, and the public is advised to rely on official government sources for accurate information. Let this serve as a reminder to be cautious and vigilant in verifying information before accepting it as fact, especially in an era where false information can spread rapidly.
Source: The Manila Times
