Palace: Gov't work suspended on Dec. 26, Jan. 2

MANILA— Malacañang yesterday announced the suspension of government work nationwide on December 26, 2017 and January 2, 2018 in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea made the announcement through Memorandum Circular 37, dated December 13 and released Thursday.

"Further to Proclamation Nos. 50 and 269 issued by the President declaring 25 December 2017 and 01 January 2018 as Regular Holidays, and in order to give the employees of the government full opportunity to celebrate the holidays with their families and loved ones, work in government offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, state universities and colleges, local government units, and other agencies and instrumentalities, is hereby suspended on 26 December and 02 January 2018," the memorandum stated.

The memorandum, however, clarified that “agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic health services, preparedness or response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services.”

The Supreme Court Public Information Office also released an advisory suspending work in the judiciary nationwide for December 26 and January 2.

SC said Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno authorized the suspension of work to allow officials and employees of the judiciary adequate opportunity to celebrate the holidays with their families.

The Palace said the private sector and independent commissions of bodies would not be covered, adding that suspension of work is subject to the discretion of employers or management.