Palace suspends gov't work in Metro Manila, several provinces

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Friday suspended work in government offices in several areas due to the effects of Tropical Storm "Mario."

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte announced on Twitter that Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa suspended work in public offices in the following areas:

• Metro Manila
• Zambales
• Bataan
• Pampanga
• Tarlac
• Nueva Ecija
• Bulacan
• Rizal
• Cavite
• Batangas
• Laguna
• Quezon
• Polillo Island
• Mindoro Provinces
• Camarines Norte
• Marinduque
• Pangasinan

Valte said work has not been suspended in agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, disaster response and other vital public services.

"For the private sector, we urge employers to consider the circumstances of employees brought about by effects of TS Mario," Valte said.