Palace retracts: Classes, gov’t work suspended Tuesday

October 16, 2017

Malacanang said on Monday night that classes and government work will again be suspended on Tuesday.

This was contrary to its earlier announcement that classes, both in public and private schools, and work in state-run agencies would resume on Tuesday despite the holding of the second day of nationwide public transport strike.

According to Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, it was President Rodrigo Duterte's order to suspend again classes and work in government offices for second consecutive day.

"ES (Executive Secretary Salvador) Medialdea suspended government work and classes for all levels tomorrow, October 17, nationwide due to the transport strike, public health and safety," Andanar said.

He cited that weather disturbance has also prompted the Office of the Executive Secretary to come up with such a decision.

"The government employees and the students might get sick if they would get wet from rain and they have nothing to ride on," Andanar, quoting Medialdea, said.

The Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston), joined by the Kilusang Mayo Uno and other transport and commuters' groups under the No to Jeepney Phaseout Coalition, is set to hold another transport strike on Tuesday to oppose the phasing out of old jeepneys.

The government has been pushing for the modernization of the public utility vehicles, including jeepneys. Celerina Monte/DMS