Half-day work for government offices on October 31

MANILA, Philippines —

Malacañang has declared

half-day work on Thursday for government offices, Executive Secretary Salvador

Medialdea said.

Some areas have also suspended classes and work on October 31 for the upcoming observance of All Saints' and All Souls holidays.

Malacañang, however, did not declare October 31 as a special non-working day as opposed to previous years.

Work in government offices has been suspended from 12 p.m. onwards to "provide government employees full opportunity

to properly observe All

Saints Day, and to allow them to travel to and from the different regions in the country."

Medialdea, meanwhile, noted that agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, response to disasters and calamities and other vital services would continue with their operations.

Under President Rodrigo Duterte's Proclamation No. 555, November 1, Friday, is a special non-working holiday while November 2, Saturday, is "an additional special (non-working)

day." — Patricia Lourdes