Malacañang has suspended work in all government offices from noon onwards on Holy Wednesday, March 27, to allow state employees to prepare for the observance of Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
In a memorandum circular released on Monday, March 25, the Palace said the half-day work on Holy Wednesday aims to provide government employees a full opportunity to observe Maundy Thursday and Good Friday and to allow them to travel to and from the different regions in the country.
“However, those agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities,9 and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services,” it added.
The suspension of work in private companies and offices, meanwhile, is left to the sound discretion of their respective employers.
Authorities are bracing for the exodus of commuters as Filipinos rush to the provinces for the annual observance of the Holy Week.*PNA