MANILA, July 22 – The Malacanang (Presidential Palace) suspended government work and classes at all levels on Tuesday in Metro Manila and several other provinces due to continuing rainfall brought by the southwest monsoon or “habagat”, Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.
Aside from Metro Manila, the suspension covers Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Occidental Mindoro.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez confirmed to reporters on Monday evening that the Palace approved the suspension as recommended by the Office of the Civil Defence.
This follows the announcement of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on social media.
Gomez said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has authorised Remulla to announce class suspensions.
Malacanang, however, has yet to issue a copy of the order formalising the suspension.
Currently, local chief executives can declare class suspensions in their localities.
For broader or regional suspensions, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) typically makes a recommendation to the Palace.
