Chiz Escudero’s Proposal to Lessen Holidays Earns Reaction from DJ Chacha
DJ CHACHA – The TV and radio personality responded to Senate President Chiz Escudero’s proposal to reduce holidays in the Philippines.
In her X post on August 11, DJ Chacha suggested that instead of cutting holidays, lawmakers should reduce their own vacation time. She pointed out that ordinary workers receive very little paid leave compared to the extended breaks enjoyed by legislators.
“Ang dapat bawasan ay yung mahabang bakasyon ng mga mambabatas. Ang mga ordinaryong manggagawa bilang lang ang paid leave,” she stressed.
DJ Chacha questioned, “Kayo po, gaano katagal ulit ang break sa isang taon?” Her post resonated with many netizens, who agreed with her stance. Comments included support for her view and calls for lawmakers to reduce their own vacation time rather than cutting public holidays. Some netizens expressed frustration with the perceived disconnect between lawmakers and the struggles of ordinary people.
Escudero’s proposal was intended to address concerns that excessive holidays are making Philippine companies and workers less competitive. However, in a subsequent interview, Escudero clarified that while the Senate agreed on the need to limit holidays, they would not reduce the number of holidays but would refrain from adding new ones.
Meanwhile, DJ Chacha, whose real name is Czarina Marie Balba-Guevara, is a radio disc jockey, actress, and broadcast journalist.
In the Philippines, holidays are categorized into regular holidays and special (non-working) days. Regular holidays include New Year’s Day, Holy Week (Maundy Thursday and Good Friday), Araw ng Kagitingan, Labor Day, Independence Day, National Heroes Day, Bonifacio Day, Christmas Day, and Rizal Day. Special days include Chinese New Year, EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary, Black Saturday, Ninoy Aquino Day, All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, and Christmas Eve. Additional local holidays may also be observed depending on regional declarations.