Government Gains Authority to Announce Class Suspensions Early
Students and parents no longer have to wait until late at night or early morning for class suspension announcements. The government now holds the power to declare suspensions promptly during bad weather or disasters, ensuring timely information reaches everyone.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has been given the authority by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to announce class suspensions, at least for the time being. This new power promises earlier alerts, reducing uncertainty for families and workers alike.
Remulla’s Role and Early Announcements
According to sources, Secretary Remulla is authorized to make announcements on behalf of the Cabinet and the Palace. He has committed to giving at least a one-night notice before suspending classes, drawing from his experience as Cavite’s governor where he implemented early declarations.
On Monday afternoon, Remulla announced class suspensions for Tuesday, July 22, covering all levels in both public and private schools, as well as government office work suspensions in several provinces. These include Metro Manila, Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Occidental Mindoro, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Rizal, Tarlac, and Zambales.
Scope and Exceptions of Work Suspensions
While government employees are affected by the suspension, “essential employees” remain exempted. Meanwhile, private sector companies hold the discretion to suspend work depending on their operational policies.
Remulla openly acknowledged shortcomings in the previous response, saying in Filipino, “We in the government were lousy yesterday. We should have gotten ahead of the disaster as early as last night.” This candid admission earned over 26,000 positive reactions on social media, with many citizens appreciating the prompt action.
Learning From Past Delays
In an interview, Remulla admitted that the delay in suspending work and classes on Monday was his oversight. He waited for President Marcos Jr.’s arrival in the United States before requesting the authority to make such decisions. The President landed at 2:48 a.m. Philippine time on Monday.
“Supposedly I should be the one to have the initiative to suspend work and classes early on. It should have been done yesterday (Sunday),” he said, accepting full responsibility. He assured the public that future declarations will be made earlier.
Centralizing Suspension Authority
Remulla previously sought presidential approval to centralize the suspension authority under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). He believes this will enhance coordination with local government units, allowing more accurate and timely decisions during floods, typhoons, and other emergencies.
Palace officials mentioned that the President is studying the proposal and will respond if it proves beneficial for the public.
Current Suspension Guidelines
At present, local government heads hold the power to suspend classes during calamities. The President or Executive Secretary can also impose suspensions nationwide or in specific areas when necessary.
Class suspensions automatically occur depending on tropical cyclone warning levels issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Heavy rainfall warnings also influence cancellation decisions. School administrators retain the discretion to cancel classes for safety reasons.
For more news and updates on government class suspensions, visit Filipinokami.com.
