No government work, classes in Manila, Pasay on Monday

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has ordered the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels in both public and private schools in Manila and Pasay cities on Monday for the “National Rally for Peace” of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC).

The suspension was made through Memorandum Circular 76, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin yesterday, to allow “the organized conduct of the event.”

The memo cited the “numerous participants expected to travel to and within the cities” on Jan. 13.

Exempted from the work suspension order are “agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services,” including those that involve disaster preparedness or response and those delivering other vital services.

“The suspension of work in private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads,” the issuance stated.

Both the Senate and the Supreme Court have issued separate orders suspending work at their offices on Monday.

Following this, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced the closure of roads near the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the peace rally.

The MMDA urged rally participants to observe the one-lane parking policy that will be imposed on some roads that would be used as parking spaces.

“If a road allowed for parking has three lanes, only one lane will be used for parking space. They cannot use the entire road,” MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said during a meeting yesterday.

Portions of the following roads and areas in Manila and Pasay will be used as parking spaces: Mel Lopez Boulevard, Road 10 and Abad Santos in Tondo; Bonifacio Drive; H. A. Mendoza and España in Sampaloc; Palanca in Quiapo; Paco Park and A. Romualdez in Paco; San Marcelino; Quirino Extension; Kalaw Avenue; Roxas Boulevard; Macapagal Boulevard; Buendia and the Philippine International Convention Center or PICC.

The MMDA said it expects up to one million attendees in the Jan. 13 event, which the INC organized to support the stance of President Marcos against the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In November last year, Marcos said he does not support the impeachment of his former ally as it would not benefit the Filipino people.

The Vice President is currently facing three impeachment complaints.

Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, National Capital Region Police Office director, said at least 2,500 police officers will secure the event.