Manila: Malaca±ang suspended government work and classes at all levels in Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, Laguna, Batangas, Pampanga, Zambales, and Bataan starting 1 p.m. Monday due to continuous rainfall caused by the southwest monsoon (habagat).

According to Philippines News Agency, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who heads the government's three-member caretaker committee while President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is abroad, announced the suspension through Memorandum Circular No. 88. The memorandum specifies that agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other vital operations are to continue their services as necessary.

The memorandum further states that the suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads. The enhanced southwest monsoon, intensified by Severe Tropical Storm Wipha (formerly 'Crising') outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, has led to days of widespread rainfall across Luzon and parts of the Visayas, prompting local governments to issue flood warnings and conduct evacuations in vulnerable areas.