Duterte suspends gov’t work, classes in public schools on Jan. 2

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday ordered the suspension of work in government offices and classes in public schools on January 2.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, by the authority of the President, signed Memorandum Circular No. 54.

“In order to give the employees of the government full opportunity to celebrate such holiday with their families and loved ones, work in government offices throughout the country, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, state universities and colleges, local government units, and other agencies and instrumentalities, is hereby suspended on 02 January 2019,” Medialdea said.

“However, those agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services,” he added.

“The public official said “suspension of work on the same date in other branches of government and in independent commissions or bodies, as well as in private companies and offices, is left to the sound discretion of their respective heads/management.”