Duterte urged to declare January 30 special non-working holiday

President Rodrigo R. Duterte welcomes the Miss Universe Contestants during the presentation of the 65th Miss Universe Contestants and Miss Universe Organization at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang on January 23, 2017. (photo by Richard V. Viñas)

Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo urged President Rodrigo Duterte to declare January 30 a special non-working holiday to afford Filipinos to witness the country’s hosting of the coronation of the Miss Universe beauty pageant.

Castelo, chairman of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, said Filipinos should be given the rare opportunity to watch the international spectacle as it unfolds in the Philippines.

A declaration of special non-working holiday by Duterte will also suspend classes in all school levels, thus, give the country’s youth the chance to watch the event.

If Duterte declares the Miss Universe coronation a special holiday, workers will enjoy a long weekend starting the celebration of the Chinese New Year on January 28.

Castelo said organizers of the pageant are expected to welcome the proposal as there will be less traffic in Metro Manila during the pageant.

“Last hosted by the Philippines in 1994, the much awaited competition of beautiful women from across the globe would be held right here in our country, in Manila actually, so the more the occasion becomes very relevant for all of us,” Castelo explained.

He added: “It would be a pity if our countrymen miss the opportunity to witness in their own backyard a contest where Filipinas have proven to excel and become certified champions on beauty and brains.”

The senior administration lawmaker aired hopes Malacanang shares his sentiments, noting that the much-awaited coronation night kicks off in less than a week.

“Declaring a Miss Universe holiday would not only give the people respite from the political noise and corporate stress but it would also spare Metro Manila from vehicular traffic,” he explained.

“Remember, Manila would be on the eye of the world during the Miss Universe. The city should be at its best when the curtain rises,” he stressed.

Media reports have indicated that the live broadcast of the competition will draw 500 million viewers worldwide, including many from the Philippines.

Source: mb.com.ph  by Ben Del Rosario