MANILA, Philippines?President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared the May 10 national elections a special public non-working holiday throughout the country to give the people the chance to cast their votes.

?Monday, May 10, 2010, should be declared a special public (non-working) holiday to give the people the fullest opportunity to participate in the said elections,? Arroyo said in Proclamation No. 2020 she signed on March 1.

Arroyo earlier issued Proclamation 1841 declaring the regular holidays, four special non-working holidays and special holidays for 2010, but these did not include the May 10 elections.

In a speech before the Philippine Councilors' League in Cebu last week, Arroyo said she hoped to leave the legacy of free and fair elections, and smooth transition to the next leader.

?I will be staying out of the election process. I will trust the Comelec to ensure the new voting machines work, the votes are protected and counted, and the results are delivered in rapid manner to the satisfaction of voters,? she said.