ASEAN Summit 2026: Malacañang Declares Three Special Non-Working Days, Road Closures and Traffic Advisory

Malacañang has declared November 16 to 18, 2026, as special non-working days in the National Capital Region (NCR) in connection with the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

The declaration was issued under Proclamation No. 1447, signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto on September 17, 2026, by authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The three-day work suspension aims to help ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila and allow authorities to ensure the safety and security of summit participants.

The declaration covers all 16 cities in Metro Manila and the municipality of Pateros. It applies to the entire NCR, not only Pasay City, where the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) will host the summit.

November 16–18, 2026 Holiday Calendar

The three special non-working days fall on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

The declaration creates a three-day non-working period for covered workers and residents in Metro Manila. However, it does not automatically mean that every business, office, school, or service provider will close.

Residents should confirm operating schedules directly with their employers, schools, banks, and service providers.

Why November 16–18 Were Declared Non-Working Days

The Philippines will host the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Metro Manila in November 2026.

The gatherings will bring together leaders, senior officials, delegates, and representatives from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners. Several ASEAN-related meetings are also scheduled during the summit period, including the 16th ASEAN Maritime Forum on November 17 and the 14th Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum on November 18.

The government declared the three special non-working days to help reduce vehicular traffic and support security preparations during the high-level meetings.

The summit will take place at the PICC in Pasay City, with security and traffic measures extending to nearby roads and surrounding areas.

Does the Special Non-Working Day Declaration Apply to All of Metro Manila?

Yes. The special non-working day declaration applies throughout the National Capital Region.

The 16 cities covered are:

The municipality of Pateros is also included.

The declaration is not limited to Pasay City or the roads surrounding the PICC. Employees and residents across NCR are covered by the special non-working day proclamation.

ASEAN Summit 2026 Road Closures in Pasay City

Pasay City has announced temporary road closures around the PICC and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex as part of preparations for the ASEAN Summit.

The restrictions will begin before the summit itself and continue until November 20, 2026. Motorists and commuters should plan their trips accordingly.

Road Closure Schedule

The partial and total closures are part of summit security and traffic management preparations. Motorists should check local traffic advisories before traveling because access may vary depending on the road section and security requirements.

Roads and Areas Affected

Portions of the following roads are included in the Pasay City closure advisories:

The exact road sections and access arrangements may change based on security operations. Follow instructions from traffic enforcers and consult the latest Pasay City and MMDA advisories before heading to the area.

Employees who need to access affected roads may be allowed through security checkpoints upon presenting a valid company ID, subject to applicable security guidelines.

ASEAN Lanes and Traffic Restrictions

Designated bus lanes will temporarily be converted into ASEAN Lanes to prioritize official vehicles and summit delegations.

Motorists should not assume that regular bus lane rules or traffic arrangements will remain unchanged during the summit period. Follow road signs and instructions from traffic personnel.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has also announced a moratorium on road excavation works beginning November 1 and continuing until midnight of December 23, 2026. The measure aims to reduce traffic disruptions during summit preparations and the Christmas season.

Public Events Suspended in Selected Metro Manila Cities

The MMDA and local government units will suspend permits for certain public events from October 24 to November 20, 2026.

The confirmed cities include:

The suspension covers permits for activities such as fun runs, motorcades, processions, and similar public gatherings.

This measure is separate from the November 16–18 special non-working day declaration. The event suspension applies during the summit preparation period, while the special non-working days apply to the entire NCR on the specified dates.

Residents and event organizers should coordinate with their respective city governments for current restrictions and permit-related announcements.

Will Traffic Be Heavy in Metro Manila?

Traffic congestion is expected, particularly around Pasay City, the PICC, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Macapagal Boulevard, and the World Trade Center area.

The special non-working days are intended to reduce traffic volume, but road closures, security checkpoints, ASEAN Lanes, and summit-related vehicle movements may still affect travel.

Commuters should distinguish between confirmed road restrictions and expected traffic disruptions:

Practical Travel and Commuting Tips

If you need to travel around Metro Manila during the summit period:

What Happens to Work and Holiday Pay?

November 16, 17, and 18 are special non-working days, not regular holidays.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued Labor Advisory No. 16, Series of 2026, outlining the wage rules for employees covered by the declaration.

The basic rules are:

Employees should confirm their specific pay arrangements with their employer or HR department. Check applicable wage rules and exceptions against the official DOLE advisory.

Will Schools, Banks, Government Offices, and Businesses Close?

The special non-working day declaration does not automatically mean every establishment will close.

Government offices, schools, banks, private companies, shopping malls, restaurants, and other establishments may follow their own operating schedules, subject to applicable government directives.

Before visiting an office or making an appointment, check its official announcement or contact the establishment directly.

Essential services and businesses that must remain operational may continue working during the special non-working days. Employees required to work should confirm their schedules and holiday pay arrangements with their employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are November 16, 17, and 18, 2026, holidays in Metro Manila?

Yes. Malacañang declared November 16, 17, and 18, 2026, as special non-working days in the National Capital Region under Proclamation No. 1447. The declaration was issued in connection with the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. The three dates fall on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The proclamation applies throughout NCR, including all 16 cities and the municipality of Pateros. It is not limited to Pasay City or the immediate summit venue.

2. Does the November 16–18 declaration apply to all NCR cities?

Yes. The declaration covers the entire National Capital Region. This includes Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, and Pateros. Residents and employees in these locations are covered by the special non-working day declaration. However, individual establishments may announce their own operating schedules, so residents should confirm whether offices, businesses, or services will be open.

3. Why did the government declare three special non-working days?

The government declared the special non-working days to help ease traffic congestion and support security preparations for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. The Philippines will host ASEAN leaders, senior officials, delegates, and representatives from dialogue partners in Metro Manila. The PICC in Pasay City will serve as the main summit venue. The three-day work suspension is intended to reduce traffic volume and help authorities manage the movement and security of summit participants.

4. Which roads will be closed during the ASEAN Summit?

Pasay City announced partial road closures from October 24 to November 9, followed by total closures from November 9 to 20 in designated areas around the PICC and CCP Complex. Affected roads include portions of J.W. Diokno Boulevard, Atang Dela Rama Street, Pedro Bukaneg Street, and Vicente Sotto Street. Authorities also advise motorists to avoid Macapagal Boulevard, the World Trade Center area, Diokno Boulevard, and parts of Roxas Boulevard because of expected traffic congestion. Road access may vary by section and security requirements.

5. Will all roads in Metro Manila be closed from November 16 to 18?

No. The holiday declaration does not mean that all roads in Metro Manila will close. Confirmed closures are concentrated around designated summit security and traffic management areas, particularly near the PICC and CCP Complex in Pasay City. However, traffic may increase on surrounding roads due to rerouting, checkpoints, ASEAN Lanes, and summit-related vehicle movements. Motorists should check current MMDA and local government advisories before traveling and avoid assuming that roads remain accessible based on previous trips.

6. Will employees receive holiday pay during the three special non-working days?

Employees who work during a special non-working day are generally entitled to an additional 30% of their basic wage for the first eight hours. If the special non-working day falls on their scheduled rest day, the premium is generally 50%. Under DOLE’s advisory, the “no work, no pay” principle generally applies to employees who do not report for work, unless a company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement provides otherwise. Employees should verify their individual schedules and wage computation with their employer or HR department.

7. Will schools, government offices, and private businesses be closed?

The special non-working day declaration does not automatically require every school, office, or business to close. Government offices, private companies, banks, schools, shopping malls, restaurants, and service providers may issue separate operating announcements. Some establishments may remain open to provide essential services or continue business operations. Residents should check with their respective institutions before making appointments or visiting in person. Employees should also confirm whether they are expected to report to work and how their holiday pay will be computed.

8. Are public events and fun runs prohibited during the ASEAN Summit?

The MMDA and participating local government units announced the suspension of permits for fun runs, motorcades, processions, and similar public events from October 24 to November 20, 2026, in Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, Makati, and Taguig. This is part of the summit’s security and traffic management preparations. The measure applies only to specified activities and locations, not to every event throughout Metro Manila. Event organizers should coordinate with their local government and check current announcements.

9. What should commuters do during the ASEAN Summit period?

Commuters should check traffic advisories before leaving, allow extra time, and whenever possible avoid roads around the PICC, CCP Complex, Macapagal Boulevard, Diokno Boulevard, World Trade Center, and affected portions of Roxas Boulevard. ASEAN Lanes and security restrictions may affect usual routes. Follow traffic enforcers’ instructions and use alternative routes recommended by authorities. If traveling to a workplace or appointment within a restricted area, confirm whether access is permitted and bring identification if required.

10. Is the ASEAN Summit holiday declaration nationwide?

No. The special non-working day declaration for November 16 to 18, 2026, applies to the National Capital Region. It covers all 16 NCR cities and Pateros. The proclamation was issued to help manage traffic and security during the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Metro Manila. Travelers and workers outside NCR should not assume that the three dates are special non-working days in their provinces or cities unless a separate official announcement applies to their location.

Final Reminder

November 16 to 18, 2026, are special non-working days across Metro Manila in connection with the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

Although the declaration aims to ease traffic, motorists and commuters should expect possible disruptions during summit preparations and the event itself. Road restrictions in Pasay will begin before the holiday period and continue through November 20.

Check current traffic announcements, confirm office schedules, and plan trips ahead of time to avoid delays.

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