No classes at all levels, no gov’t work on Monday – Malacañang

Malacañang announced on Sunday the suspension of government work and classes at all levels of both public and private nationwide on Monday, October 16, due to a transport strike.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said October 17 was not included in the suspension. He said that while the private sector was not covered, the suspension of work was subject to the discretion of employers.

“As to suspension of gov’t work, we shall issue the usual memorandum circular,” Medialdea said.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the suspension based on Memorandum Circular Number 28 was “to minimize public inconvenience arising from the planned nationwide transportation strike.”

Abella added that work in local government units and government-owned or controlled corporations were also suspended.

“We leave it to private employers to make their own decisions,” he said.

Following Malacañang’s announcement, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno also suspended work in all courts nationwide on Monday.

READ: No work in courts on Monday — Sereno

Work in Senate was also suspended according to Senate officer-in-charge Senator Gregorio Honasan.

READ: Senate follows suit, suspends work over transport strike

The Department of Education has also issued memorandum no. 157 on the suspension of classes and work at the agency.

Transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operaytor Nationwike (Piston) is gearing up for their third nationwide strike on October 16 and 17 this year to protest the Department of Transportation’s jeepney-modernization program. /cbb

READ: Transport groups to stage 2-day strike to protest vs jeepney ‘phase-out scheme’