MANILA, Philippines—Malacanang on Monday apologized for taking back an earlier announcement declaring November 27 and 28 as special non-working holidays all over the country.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde acknowledged that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s decision to make the two-day celebration of Eid’l Adha later this month as holidays only in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was prompted by requests from the business community.

“We apologize to those who have been inconvenienced for that change,” Remonde said in an interview over radio dzMM Monday.

He said members of the business community have aired their appeal to the President through Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila to limit the declaration of the non-working holiday to ARMM because of its effect on productivity.

Remonde said businesses have complained production has been affected because there are already too many holidays this month and the past months, and due to the typhoons that flooded parts of Metro Manila.

Malacanang earlier announced that November 27, Friday, and November 28, Saturday, would be special non-working holidays to celebrate Eid’l Adha.

Eid’l Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Day of Sacrifice, is observed after the hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

November 30, Monday, is also a regular non-working holiday being Bonifacio Day.

November 1 and 2 were also declared special non-working holidays being All Saints Day and All Souls Day, respectively.