MANILA, Philippines — There will be no work in government offices on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 next year.
President Duterte issued memorandum circular no. 37 in addition to the regular holidays declared on Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) and Jan. 1, 2018 (New Year’s Day) “in order to give the employees of the government full opportunity to celebrate holidays with their families and loved ones.”
In the one-page order, Executive Secretary
Salvador Medialdea said the order covers government offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, state universities and colleges, local government units, and other agencies and instrumentalities.
However, Malacañang said 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.
“The suspension of work in other branches of government and in independent commissions or bodies, as well as in private companies and offices on the said dates, is left to the sound discretion of their respective heads/management,” Medialdea said.
The Supreme Court (SC) had earlier suspended work in courts also on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2, allowing court workers to enjoy an extra day of quality time with their families and loved ones.
In its official Twitter account, the SC suspended operations in courts nationwide on Dec. 26, which is the day after the Dec. 25 Christmas Day; and on Jan. 2, 2018, the day after New Year’s Day.
The SC made the announcement in light of “Proclamation No. 50 (s. 2016) and 269 (s. 2017) declaring Dec. 25, 2017 (Christmas Day) and Jan. 1, 2018 (New Year’s Day) as regular holidays and to allow officials and employees of the judiciary adequate opportunity to celebrate the holidays with their families, the Chief Justice has authorized the suspension of work in all courts nationwide on Dec. 26, 2017 (Tuesday) and Jan. 2, 2018 (Tuesday).”