Guide: Official Gazette Mobile App

Did you know that the Philippines is among the countries with the highest number of public holidays? Besides declared public holidays, there are also other types of holidays, such as regional and local holidays.

Now, how would you know which days are declared holidays? Note that there will also be no business transactions on regional and local holidays. So, if you plan to pay for your house and lot in the Philippines or want to travel on a long weekend, get the latest updates from the Official Gazette Mobile App.

Official Gazette Mobile App Features

The Official Gazette mobile app lets users view digital copies of official government documents. You don’t have to scour the internet just to get fake news. 

Basically, the mobile is straightforward and easy to use. Each category is represented with an icon button and sorted by date. Therefore, you don't have to go to the National Library or search through National Archives since you can view digital copies as old as documents from 1901.

You can also use the search bar if you are looking for a specific document or topic to filter the results. 

Here are the following digital copies you can find in the mobile app.

Issuances of Executive Orders

This includes implementing rules and regulations signed or approved by the Office of the President. One example is Executive Order No. 18 series of 2023, which constitutes green lanes for strategic investments to promote the Philippines as a top investment destination.

Issuances of Republic Acts

This includes implementing rules and regulations crafted and passed by the Congress of the Philippines. One example is Republic Act No. 7279, which is an act to provide for a comprehensive and continuing urban development and housing program for Filipinos. If you plan to purchase a house and lot in the Philippines, be sure to know your rights and limitations through RA 7279.

Administrative Orders

These are acts of the President issuing orders to a specific administrative agency to take corrective actions or limit an activity or operation. Examples of administrative orders are digital copies about suspension, dismissal, and imposing penalties on government officials.

Memorandum Orders

These are issuances signed by the President about directives, guidelines, outline processes, workflows, and the like to a specific government office or officer. 

Memorandum Circulars

These are issuances of acts of the President relating to internal administration to bring to the attention of a specific department, bureau, or government office for compliance and information.

Proclamations

These are signed documents of the Philippines stating a specific date or declaring a status or condition of a public moment or interest. Examples of proclamation orders are special non-working holidays of a city or province and the popular Proclamation No. 922, declaring the entire Philippines in the State of Public Health Emergency.

Holidays

This Official Gazette Mobile App icon is the most exciting button, especially for travelers. You can plan your travel ahead if you have the complete list of Philippine holidays this year through this mobile app. Of course, holidays are also critical for most businesses and workers. 

Workers will receive holiday fees apart from basic salaries if they work on public holidays. However, most businesses are closed on holidays. So, plan your business transactions to ensure it does not fall on a holiday, especially if you want to avoid delayed payments for your affordable house and lot unit. Some payments will reflect on the following business day, even if you're paying online.

Other Issuances

If you’re looking for speeches, letters of instruction and implementations, and other presidential decrees, you can find them in the “Other Issuances” icon.

The Official Gazette Timeline

It was created on September 2, 1902, through the Philippine Commission by the decree of Act No. 453. By the authority of the United States of America, the Official Gazette Volume 1, No.1 was released on September 10, 1902.   

Then on March 5, 1903, Act No. 453 was amended into Act No. 664 to further distribute the official gazettes. This act enables the Official Gazette to publish in two (2) languages weekly - English and Spanish languages.

Subsequently, President Manuel L. Quezon approved Commonwealth Act No. 638 on June 10, 1941. It is an act to provide uniform publication and distribution of the Official Gazette. This act also enabled the Official Gazette to publish all important legislative acts and resolutions of the Congress of the Philippines for the public’s knowledge.

In 1987, the Official Gazette’s role widened to operate and publish any law, Court of Appeals and Supreme Court decisions or abstracts, memoranda, and other data or official documents approved by the President of the Philippines. It was signed by President Corazon C. Aquino under Executive Order No. 200 series of 1987. The Official Gazette shall also publish in two (2) versions - English and Filipino. It was also this year when the Official Gazette newspapers were sold and distributed by the National Printing Office, wherein subscribers could receive mail copies free of postage.

In 2010, President Benigno C. Aquino III signed Executive Order No. 4 to create the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office. Among its functions are the editorial responsibilities of the Official Gazette and management of its website edition.

This year marks another milestone for the Official Gazette as it embraces technological advancements and innovations. The country’s official journal launched a mobile app to provide better access and convenience to many Filipinos. 

Clearly, the digital era is here where most industries are shifting their gear toward technology. This includes the national government and its respective agencies and offices. The Official Gazette mobile app is another step in implementing the Freedom of Information Program so that every Filipino knows their citizenship rights and privileges.

Here at Lumina Homes, we welcome the latest development of the Official Gazette Mobile App. Aspiring Lumina homeowners can now access all the information pertaining to real estate laws, building codes, and housing rights. Rest assured that all our house models are in accordance with the existing laws of the Philippines. Hence, you are owning an affordable house and lot for sale unit with the features of a quality home. Contact our accredited agents today to learn more about housing packages and inclusions.