New era of peace seen in Mindanao – Noy

MANILA, Philippines - A new era of peace has dawned in Mindanao, President Aquino said yesterday as he greeted the Muslim community in celebration of Eid’l Fitr.

“This solemn occasion bears greater significance as we enter a new era of peace and cooperation with our brothers and sisters in Muslim Mindanao,” he said.

“Our country is on the path to inclusive growth, and we continue to work together to deepen our bonds and uplift our countrymen.” 

Aquino expressed hope for Muslims to derive strength from their faith and from opening their hearts in compassion and thanksgiving as the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad fill Muslims with joy on the celebration of Eid’l Fitr.

“May Allah continue to bless and guide you on your journey as Filipinos and as faithful members of the Islam nation,” he said.

“I hope in this era of national renewal, we may be able to galvanize our efforts and resources toward creating an equitable society.

“May the virtues inscribed in the Holy Koran empower you as we achieve lasting stability through benevolence and understanding.”  

Vice President Jejomar Binay urged Filipinos yesterday to emulate the great resilience and forbearance of Muslims in the face of tragedy in Mindanao.

In a message, Binay said he is one with Muslims in celebrating the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

“I also urge all Filipinos to emulate the qualities displayed by Muslims as they observe their holy month,” he said.

Binay said recent events in Mindanao have cast a shadow on the past holy month for Muslims.

“Our Muslim brothers and sisters, however, have shown great resilience and forbearance in the face of tragedy,” he said.

“As we all pray for justice for the innocent lives taken during the recent bombings, I also urge all Filipinos to show their support not only to Muslims but to all who were affected by these incidents,” he said.

Binay said now is the time to show “greater understanding and a deeper appreciation of the kinship of Filipinos.”

“Temperance, sacrifice, and charity are qualities which can only make our people better, and these will be crucial as we strive to attain progress for all,” he said.

3 holidays

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said workers reporting for work today are entitled to double pay since Aug. 9 has been declared a regular holiday in observance of the Feast of Ramadan.

Those who will not report for work will still receive 100 percent of their daily pay, while workers rendering service in excess of eight hours shall be paid an additional 30 percent of hourly work.

For work done during a regular holiday that falls on a rest day, this will require employers to pay their employees additional 30 percent for the first eight hours of work and another 30 for work in excess of eight hours.

Baldoz said the same pay rules apply on Aug. 26, which has been also declared a regular holiday.

However, a different set of pay rules apply for workers and employers on Aug. 21, a special non-working day, she added. – With Jose Rodel Clapano, Mayen Jaymalin