🇵🇭 Philippines: August 2026 Public Holidays and Pay Rules

Summary: Two public holidays fall in August 2026 — Ninoy Aquino Day (21 Aug, Special Non-Working) and National Heroes Day (31 Aug, Regular Holiday). Pay treatment differs by holiday type.

Background

The Philippines distinguishes between Regular Holidays and Special Non-Working Holidays, and each has its own statutory pay rules.

Upcoming Holidays

• 21 August 2026 — Ninoy Aquino Day (Special Non-Working Holiday)
• 31 August 2026 — National Heroes Day (Regular Holiday)

What This Means for You

Regular Holidays (National Heroes Day):

• If the employee does not work: they still receive 100% of their regular daily pay.
• If the employee works: they earn double pay (200% of regular wage) for the first 8 hours.

Special Non-Working Holidays (Ninoy Aquino Day):

• If the employee does not work: the "No Work, No Pay" principle applies — unless the employee is officially excused from work by the client, in which case they still receive their regular daily rate.
• If the employee works: they receive an additional 30% of their regular hourly rate on top of normal pay.

What to Do

1. Plan ahead for any employees who may need to work on either date.
2. Flag holiday-worked hours to payroll in advance so the correct pay premium (200% or +30%) is applied without delay.
3. Confirm excusal status with the client if an employee is excused from work on the Special Non-Working Holiday, so the correct pay treatment is used.

FAQ

Q: What's the difference between a Regular Holiday and a Special Non-Working Holiday? A: Regular Holidays guarantee pay whether or not the employee works. Special Non-Working Holidays follow "no work, no pay" by default, unless the employee is excused or works.