Malacañang declared on Friday that all government offices will operate on a half-day schedule on Wednesday, April 5, to allow state employees adequate time to prepare for Holy Week.
In the Memorandum Circular No. 16 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, this is 'to properly provide the government employees the full opportunity to properly observe' holy week's regular holidays.
"And to allow them to travel to and from the different regions in the country, work in government offices on 05 April 2023 is hereby suspended from 12:00 o'clock in the afternoon onwards," it read.
However, agencies in line with the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness or response to disaster and calamities, and other vital services must continue their operations and render the necessary services.
Meanwhile, work suspensions in private businesses and offices are at the discretion of their respective employers.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. earlier moved the non-working day in observance of Araw ng Kagitingan to Monday, April 10, while April 6 and 7 will be regular holidays in observance of Holy Week.
