On September 28, 2026, Francis N. Tolentino, Secretary of the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE), signed Labour Advisory No. 16, Series of 2026, detailing wage entitlements for workers during this period. Employees who report for work on any of the three days are entitled to an additional 30% of their basic wage for the first eight hours, calculated as 130% of the basic wage. Overtime work beyond eight hours on these days requires an additional 30% of the hourly rate on the special non-working day, resulting in a total payment of 130% of the hourly basic wage multiplied by 130% for each hour worked. If the special non-working day coincides with an employee’s scheduled rest day, the premium increases to an additional 50% of the basic wage (150% of basic wage) for the first eight hours, with overtime calculated at 150% of the hourly basic wage multiplied by 130%.
The summit preparations have already impacted aviation operations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Social media reports indicate multiple flight cancellations involving both local and international routes, with Cebu Pacific cited as a primary affected carrier. An explanation provided on social media attributes the disruptions to a reduction in parking bays at NAIA Terminal 3 to accommodate VIP delegates and state aircraft, a measure driven by security protocols. In contrast, reports note that Mactan International Airport in Cebu, which hosted the 48th ASEAN Summit in May 2026, committed to no flight cancellations, only delays, highlighting a difference in operational impact between the two venues.
Local authorities have also implemented security measures in anticipation of the event. The city of Pasay, where NAIA is located, has announced a partial lockdown and the suspension of public events during the summit period to ensure security for the delegates. The regulatory and security frameworks established for these three days underscore the scale of the state’s mobilization for the 49th ASEAN Summit, which brings together leaders from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners.
The immediate implementation of these labor and security protocols sets the stage for the summit, where regional leaders are expected to convene in Manila. The resolution of any ongoing operational disruptions at NAIA and the full enforcement of the partial lockdown in Pasay remain key logistical issues as the event approaches.
