Manila: Malaca±ang has announced the suspension of government work and classes at all levels on Tuesday across Metro Manila and several other provinces due to persistent rainfall caused by the southwest monsoon, known locally as 'habagat'. The suspension extends to the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Occidental Mindoro.

According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez confirmed to reporters on Monday evening that the Office of the Civil Defense recommended the suspension, which was subsequently approved by the Palace. The announcement follows Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla's social media post indicating class suspensions.

Gomez further stated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has given Secretary Remulla the authority to announce the class suspensions. However, Malaca±ang has yet to release a formal order on the suspension.

Currently, local chief executives have the discretion to declare class suspensions within their jurisdictions. For broader or regional suspensions, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) usually provides recommendations to the Palace.