Palace suspends gov’t work, public school classes in NCR

MANILA, Philippines – Amid monsoon rains, Malacañang suspended government work and all classes in public schools in Metro Manila beginning 1 pm on Friday, July 8.

Government personnel involved in the delivery of basic and health services as well as disaster preparedness and emergency response are excluded from the suspension.

The Palace also said suspension of work in private schools and companies is left to the discretion of their respective heads.

LOOK: Palace suspends work in gov’t offices, classes in all levels in public schools in NCR due to #Butchoy pic.twitter.com/Qrkte1kMA9

— Pia Ranada (@piaranada) July 8, 2016

Earlier, some local government units in Luzon already suspended classes. (READ: Class suspensions: Friday, July 8)

The Supreme Court also halted work in all courts in Metro Manila, beginning 1 pm as well.

READ: EARLY DISMISSAL NCJR Courts, effective 1 PM today, July 8, 2016. pic.twitter.com/7XMBozwdFI

— SC PIO (Official) (@SCPh_PIO) July 8, 2016

The rains in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon are due to the southwest monsoon, which is being enhanced by Typhoon Butchoy.

Butchoy is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday afternoon.

Two days ago, on July 6, state weather bureau PAGASA had already warned there would be heavier rains heading into the weekend, which would last until Sunday. – Rappler.com