Palace suspends gov’t work, classes in all levels on Oct. 17

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 17) — Contrary to an earlier statement, the Palace late Monday evening suspended classes in all levels and work in government offices tomorrow due to the nationwide transport strike.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a message to CNN Philippines, “ES Medialdea suspended government work and classes for all levels tomorrow, October 17, nationwide due to the transport strike, public health and safety.”

“May transport strike, ulan, bagyo at walang masakyan. Baka magkasakit mga kawani ng gobyerno at mga estudyante kung maulanan at walang masakyan,” Andanar added.

[Translation: There’s a transport strike, rains, storms, and no rides. Government workers and students might get sick if they get drenched and stranded.]

Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said classes and work in government offices would resume tomorrow, following the assessment of the Joint Quick Response Team (JQRT) which helped stranded commuters during the first day of the strike on Monday.

“Based on the assessment of the JQRT, the nationwide strike of transport group Piston barely affected the riding public,” Abella said.

Earlier, 200,000 members of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide went on strike to protest the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program.

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