Malaca±ang: The Philippine government announced the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels across Metro Manila and 36 other areas on July 23, due to the persistent heavy rainfall caused by the southwest monsoon, locally known as "habagat."

According to Philippines News Agency, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed the issuance of Memorandum Circular (MC) 90, which details the suspension directive. The areas affected by MC 90 include Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Palawan, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, and Negros Occidental.

The decision to suspend government operations and classes follows a recommendation from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Despite the suspension, the memorandum emphasized that agencies responsible for essential services such as basic, vital, and health services, as well as preparedness and response duties, must remain operational to ensure the continuity of essential government functions.

MC 90 also allows non-vital government employees and all other government employees to be engaged under approved alternate work arrangements, subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Additionally, local chief executives are authorized to announce localized cancellations or suspensions of classes and work in government offices in regions not covered by the order.

The memorandum leaves the decision of work suspension for private companies and offices to the discretion of their respective heads. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called for a unified response from government agencies to assist Filipinos affected by the extensive flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon.