The declaration of a Papal holiday is being seriously considered by the
government in connection with the forthcoming visit of Pope Francis to
the country from January 15 to 19 next year, according to the Papal
Visit Central Committee.
“We are seriously considering [the possibility] and in due time we
will announce if there is going to be holidays on those days,” said
former ambassador to Israel Marciano Paynor Jr. in the CBCP News post.
Paynor said that a Papal holiday will likely be declared, similar to
what was done during the visit of Pope John Paul II to the Philippines
in 1995.
“When John Paul II came here a holiday period had also been declared … It is under very serious and close study,” Paynor said.
The holiday declaration is aimed at minimizing the impact of the
event on vehicular traffic, especially in areas in the vicinity of or
near churches, schools and parks to be visited by the pontiff.
The declaration of a Papal holiday will likewise allow Catholics,
especially those not studying or working in the city of Manila, to take
part in various activities lined up for the Papal visit.
Earlier, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada announced a five-day,
non-working holiday in the city, covering the entire duration of the
Pope’s visit.
The city government said the holiday declaration is in anticipation
of the millions of Filipinos and even foreign nationals who are expected
to troop to the nation’s capital to take part or witness activities and
motorcades slated at the Manila Cathedral, University of Santo Tomas,
Quirino Grandstand, and Malacañang Palace.
