MANILA (PNA) — Malacañang clarified on Friday that there is nothing personal against the previous administration in the decision made by President Benigno S. Aquino III not to observe the so-called "holiday economics" and instead observe the Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21 instead of August 23.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said President Aquino issued Proclamation No. 13 declaring the observance of Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21 as a nationwide special non-working holiday.

According to Secretary Lacierda, the President decided to observe the Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21 instead of August 23 to avoid the imposition of unnecessary financial burden upon the employers, ensure the continuity of government, business and commercial transactions, promote productivity while at the same time preserving the solemnity of the observance.

Lacierda also said the treatment of the economic holidays will be on a case-to-case basis and President Aquino has no plans to repeal the Holiday Economics Law or Republic Act No. 9492.

Under Presidential Proclamation No. 1841 of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Ninoy Aquino Day has been scheduled for observance this year on the Monday nearest August 21, which is August 23.

Ninoy Aquino Day is included as a nationwide special non-working holiday to be observed on the Monday nearest August 21 as stated in R.A. No. 9492 (Holiday Economics Law).