MANILA—Amid Miss Universe 2016 fever, Malacanang won’t declare the coronation day on January 30 which falls on Monday as holiday.
”January 27 and 30 will still be working days,” a text message from the Office of Executive Secretary said.
Manila City government has declared Jan. 27 as holiday in certain areas, particularly in Binondo and Quiapo, to give way for the preparation for the Chinese New Year’s on Jan. 28.
Jan. 28, which falls on Saturday, has been declared a special non-working day under list of 2017 holidays.
Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo has recently urged President Rodrigo Duterte to declare Jan. 30 a special non-working holiday to allow the Filipinos to witness coronation of the 65th Miss Universe beauty pageant.
The Philippines hosted the prestigious Miss Universe Pageant for the third time after Pia Wurtzbach brought home the country’s third Miss Universe 2015 title.
The country hosted it for the first time in 1974 also a year after Margie Moran won the crown in 1973.
Gloria Diaz bagged the Philippines’ first Miss Universe crown in 1969.
On Monday, the Filipinos are hoping to get the first back-to-back Miss Universe crowns through Maxine Medina, a model and designer.
A total of 86 contestants will vie for the coveted Miss Universe crown on Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said there was still no confirmation yet if President Duterte will attend the big event.