MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has suspended government work and classes in state-run educational institutions on Jan. 2 to give state workers more time to celebrate the holidays with their families. The suspension is contained in Memorandum Circular No. 54 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea by authority of the president on Dec. 17. “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,” Medialdea said in the memorandum. Suspension of work in independent commissions or bodies and private companies and offices on Jan. 2 was left to the “sound discretion” of their respective heads or management.

Source: Philippine Star December 17, 2018 09:55 UTC