Classes, work suspended for Asean summit

Malacañang has declared work suspensions next week in line with the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.

Classes at all levels and work in the government and private sector are suspended on April 28, according to Memorandum Circular 18 issued yesterday by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Work in government offices at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) complex in Pasay City is suspended from April 24 to 30. The memorandum also suspended work in government offices at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex from April 28 to 30.

Work in government offices in Pasay, Makati and Manila are suspended on April 27.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno also suspended work in courts in the cities of Pasay, Makati and Manila on April 27 through MC 18. All courts in the National Capital judicial region will be closed on 28.

“To ensure uninterrupted delivery of public service, transactions with front line government offices located inside the PICC and CCP complex may be processed in other business and/or satellite offices of said agencies,” the memorandum read.

State agencies involved in the delivery of basic services, including security and safety, health and emergency preparedness and those directly involved in various ASEAN meetings and related activities will remain open and will perform their normal functions.

Malacañang left it to the local governments in Pasay, Makati and Manila to decide whether to suspend classes on April 27.

Suspension of work on April 29 is also left to the discretion of the affected local governments and employers.

The suspension was made upon the recommendation of the ASEAN 2017 National Organizing Council – Office of the Director-General for Operations and the Metro Manila Development Authority.