Malacañang denied yesterday that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has declared December 22 (Friday) as a “special half-working day.”

Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil dismissed as “fake news” the supposed issuance of a proclamation declaring December 22 as a special half-working day to allow the public to avoid traffic congestion during the Christmas holidays.

“It’s fake,” Garafil said, when asked to react if Marcos made such a declaration through Proclamation 427 issued on December 15.

In a statement posted on the Official Gazette, the public was reminded to avoid spreading false information.

“This proclamation lacks official verification or recognition by the government. Please rely on official government sources for accurate information and refrain from disseminating unverified claims,” the statement read.

The original Proclamation 427 posted on the official website of the Official Gazette declares nine individuals as Manlilikha ng Bayan for 2023.

Under Proclamation 427, Marcos declared Ilocano Oral Traditions master Adelita Bagcal, Agusan Manobo embroiderer Abina Coguit, Sama traditional dance master Sakinur-ain Delasas, T’boli brass caster Bundos Fara, Higaonon mat weaver Marife Ganahon, Ga’dang embroiderer Amparo Mabanag, Mandaya ikat weaver Samporonia Madanlo, T’boli ikat weaver Barbara Ofong, and T’boli chanter Rosie Sula as Manlilikha ng Bayan.

Republic Act 7355 provides for the recognition of Manlilikha ng Bayan or National Living Treasures, referring to a citizen or a group of citizens engaged in any traditional art that is uniquely Filipino and whose distinctive skills have reached a high level of technical and artistic excellence. (PNA)