Interior chief to seek standby presidential nod to suspend classes

Metro Manila, Philippines - Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he will ask President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for standby authority to declare class suspensions nationwide.

In an event in Quezon City on Wednesday, July 2, Remulla shared that his son, a student in the city, had asked him about delayed class suspensions during stormy weather.

Remulla was known to declare early class suspension as Cavite governor.

“Kasi ako mag-a-announce ako, hapon pa lang bago magbagyo kasi gusto ko 'yung magulang, hindi na nag-aalala; gusto ko 'yung estudyante, masaya na; at gusto ko 'yung magulang makatipid sa baon para hindi na paalisin 'yung kanilang mga anak,” he said.

[Translation: I announce in the afternoon the day before the expected storm impact because I want the parents to be worry-free and save money, and I want the students to be happy.]

“Kaya asahan n'yo, sa darating na panahon ay hihingin ko po ang kakayanan na 'yan para #WalangPasok na hanggang Quezon City,” Remulla said.

[Translation: So expect that at the right time, I will ask for the authority so #WalangPasok will reach Quezon City.]

Under the Department of Education order, the school should suspend kindergarten classes in areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) 1, kindergarten to Grade 10 under TCWS 2, and all levels in areas under TCWS 3.

When the yellow rainfall warning is raised, local chief executives have the discretion to suspend classes. When classes have started and an orange or red rainfall warning is hoisted, the school head will suspend classes from kindergarten to Grade 12.