President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has yet to make a decision on a proposal by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who is seeking authority to suspend classes during tropical cyclones.
According to Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, the President has not issued an official response but will evaluate the proposal, especially if it proves beneficial to the public.
“As of now, the President hasn’t given an official reply to Secretary Remulla’s suggestion. The matter is under study, and the President will respond accordingly if it serves the public interest,” Castro said during a press briefing on Thursday.
Remulla, a former Cavite governor, cited his local governance experience as a key reason he believes he can effectively manage class suspensions during the storm season.
In the same briefing, Castro shared that President Marcos has already ordered the immediate clearing of drainage systems to help prevent flooding, particularly in Metro Manila.
“The President has directed the prompt cleanup of drainage systems to help reduce the risk of flooding, especially in Metro Manila,” she noted.
Additionally, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ramped up its disaster readiness efforts and activated emergency operation centers in anticipation of adverse weather conditions.
Heavy rains on Thursday forced class cancellations and left many commuters stranded in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The state weather bureau, PAGASA, warned that more rainfall is expected across Luzon through the weekend, driven by a low-pressure area and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).