Palace: Half-day work on April 5 only for executive department

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 31) – The Office of the President has clarified that the half-day work suspension on April 5 “only applies to the executive department.”

In line with the earlier announcement, Malacañang on Friday said work in the executive department will be suspended from 12 noon onwards on April 5.

This will give its employees ample time to travel to and from the different regions of the country for the long weekend holidays, Malacañang added.

However, agencies providing health services, preparedness for response to disasters and calamities and other vital services "shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services," the memorandum dated Friday read.

For private companies and offices, the suspension of work is up to the discretion of their employers, Malacañang added.

On March 14, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared April 6 and 7 as regular holidays in observance of Holy Week.

April 10 was also declared a regular holiday to mark Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), which was usually commemorated on April 9.