Palace suspends govt work, classes in Metro Manila
Credit to Author: Catherine S. Valente, TMT| Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2019 04:13:17 +0000
GOVERNMENT workers and students in Metro Manila were sent home early after Malacañang suspended work and classes because of typhoon “Tisoy” (international name: Kammuri).
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea issued Memorandum Circular 73 suspending work in government offices and classes in public and private schools in Metro Manila effective 12 noon Tuesday.
“Upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and in view of the continuing inclement weather brought by Typhoon Tisoy, work in government offices and classes in public schools (public and private) at all levels in Metro Manila are hereby suspended effective 12:00 noon today, 3 December 2019,” Medialdea said in MC 73.
“However, those agencies whose functions involve the delviery 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 their necessary services,” he added.
Medialdea said the suspension of work for private companies, offices and schools was left to the discretion of their respective heads.
The memorandum circular takes effect immediately.
Earlier in the day, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) also suspended work.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar issued a memorandum declaring the suspension effective 10 a.m on Tuesday “in view of declaration of the City of Manila suspending local government work.”
However, Andanar said work in the offices involved in the PCOO’s Public Service Continuity Plan was not suspended.
These offices must maintain operations through skeletal force to ensure the continuity of the delivery of services to the public, he added.
Mayors Abigail Binay, Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and Emi Calixto-Rubiano of Makati, Manila and Pasay earlier on Tuesday suspended work except for offices and/or personnel providing frontline services for disaster operations.
Domagoso has also ordered the preemptive evacuation of residents living in Parola, Baseco compound, and in Isla Puting Bato.
All residents will be brought to Delpan Evacuation Center.
Makati also suspended classes in all levels in public and private schools “upon the recommendation of the Makati DRRM [Disaster and Risk Reduction Management] Council.”
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) sad Tisoy was expected to pass over Metro Manila later in the day and would bring strong winds and heavy rains up until Wednesday morning.
Classes have been suspended in most parts of the country since Monday.
READ: #WALANGPASOK UPDATE: Dec. 3, 2019
WITH REPORTS FROM JAN ARCILLA, JOSHUA VERA CRUZ AND ARIC CUA