President Arroyo has officially empowered the secretary of national defense to suspend classes on all levels in times of disaster and calamities.
In an administrative order, the President explained that the defense secretary as chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) “is in the best position to readily assess whether there is a need to suspend classes in times of disasters and calamities.”
“Quick and speedy decision-making in the suspension of classes is necessary in times of disasters or calamities to spare the pupils, students and the public from unnecessary trouble as well as danger to their lives,” the AO stated.
The power of the defense chief covers all types of calamities and disasters whether natural or man-made, such as typhoons, earthquakes, floods and conflagration.
According to the AO, the defense secretary is authorized to direct all appropriate agencies such as the Department of Education (DepEd) for the implementation of the suspension of classes.
The current head of the Department of National Defense (DND) is Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.
The government has been criticized for belatedly suspending classes on numerous occasions, particularly during heavy rains when floods are almost certain to hit most parts of Metro Manila and other flood-prone areas of the country.
Bearing the brunt of the public’s anger is the DepEd because the late announcements result in students being stranded either in school or on the road.
Upon making the decision to suspend classes, the defense secretary is required to inform the Office of the President through the executive secretary of the decision.
“This administrative order does not nullify the powers of other government officials and/or school heads and administrators to suspend classes for the protection and safety of the students, faculty and personnel of the school,” the AO stated.
It has long been accepted that the local government officials are in the best position to make the call in their respective areas of jurisdiction because familiarity with their locality enable them to see the actual situation.
The scope of the authority of the defense secretary, on the other hand, is national as it utilizes all of the resources and network of the NDCC across the country.
Meanwhile, presidential political adviser and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno would still “lead the watch” on the NDCC in responding to disasters.
DILG assistant secretary for strategic planning and public affairs Brian Yamsuan said the latest order issued by the President for the DND chief to have the power to suspend classes does not affect Puno’s role in responding to calamities.
Early this month, President Arroyo tasked Puno to “lead the watch” on national and local government efforts to prevent disasters and respond to calamities, assisted by the NDCC.
Puno has designated undersecretary for peace and order Melchor Rosales as head of the DILG task force that will “closely monitor and regularly publicize” the efforts of the national government and LGUs in providing aid to farmers and rural folk hit by the dry spell and heavy rains caused by typhoons.
Rosales is a former executive director of the NDCC. – Marvin Sy, Cecille Suerte Felipe