MALACAÑANG has issued Memorandum Circular 37, suspending work in government offices on December 26, 2017 and January 2, 2018.
Memorandum Circular was signed on December 13 by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Medialdea said the suspension of office work in the public sector would allow government employees “full opportunity to celebrate the holidays with their families and loved ones.”
December 25, Christmas Day, and January 1, New Year's Day, are regular holidays.
“However, those agencies whose functions Involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services,” the order read.
Medialdea said suspension of work in other branches of government and in independent commissions or bodies as well as in private companies and offices on the said dates is left to the discretion of their respective heads. (Ruth Abbey Gita/VoxPop Philippines)