The Palace clarified on Friday that Memorandum Circular No. 16 issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. only applies to the executive department.

“To provide government employees full opportunity to properly observe 06-07 April 2023, regular holidays, and to allow them to travel to and from the different regions in the country, work in government offices on 05 April 2023 is hereby suspended from 12:00 o’clock in the afternoon onwards,” the memorandum dated March 31 reads.

“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,” the MC said.

According to the circular, which takes effect immediately, the suspension of work in private companies and offices is left to the sound discretion of their respective employers. #