Palace suspends work in gov’t. offices in Metro Manila on November 17 & 20 due to APEC Summit

Malacañang has declared the suspension of work in government offices, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, in the National Capital Region on November 17 and 20, due to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa, Jr. on September 23 issued Memorandum Circular No. 84, suspending work in government offices upon the recommendation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation – Office of the Director General, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

The suspension, however, does not cover those agencies whose work involves the delivery of basic services, such as security and safety, health and emergency preparedness, and the conduct of various APEC meetings and related activities “to ensure the success of the event”.

“For affected local government units and the private sector, suspension of work shall be on a voluntary basis based on their respective assessment of scheduled activities from 16 - 20 November 2015, and the traffic management plan which shall be implemented on the said dates,” the circular stated.

Last July, President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Proclamation No. 1072, declaring November 18 and 19 as non-working holidays in Metro Manila for the APEC Summit.

Classes in Metro Manila have also been suspended from November 17 to 20 due to the scheduled summit.

This year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), to be held on November 18 and 19 in Metro Manila, is expected to be attended by the heads of state of the APEC’s 21 member economies.  (PCOO News Release)