Manila, Philippines – Malacañang has officially authorized Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla to declare class and work suspensions in time of bad weather conditions.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez confirmed the directive, emphasizing that Remulla can now speak on behalf of both the Cabinet and the Office of the President during national emergencies.
This mandate was based on the recommendations from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), where Remulla serves as Vice Chairperson for Disaster Preparedness.
According to Remulla, an urgent suspension preferably a night before the announcement will uphold, just like his previous post as a governor in Cavite.
Looking forward, Remulla already took social media yesterday (July 21, 2025) as he declared the suspension of classes and government work in several regions due to Habagat.
The DILG however clarified that local chief executives and the Department of Education (DepEd) retain the discretion to issue their own notices.
Reacting about the matter yesterday, education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the authority to suspend classes should remain with local government units (LGUs), responding to DILG Secretary Remulla’s not yet mandated proposal to centralize such decisions.
He also cautioned the public against pressuring LGUs to cancel classes during rainy weather, noting this may contribute to further learning loss among students.