MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang clarified on Wednesday that the Iglesia Ni Cristo Day it declared for July 27 would be a special "working" holiday.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita made the clarification after the Palace on Tuesday issued conflicting statements about the holiday.

One statement said July 27 would be a "non-working" holiday while another one said it would be a "working" holiday.

In making the declaration, Malacañang said it was recognizing the INC’s role not only in the spiritual and moral formation of its followers but also the church’s contributions to nation-building.

July 27 is the INC’s founding anniversary.

The INC has been known to deliver a solid bloc of votes to national candidates whom it deems fit to be in public service.