GOV’T WORK, CLASSES IN MANILA, PASAY SUSPENDED ON JANUARY 13 DUE TO IGLESIA NI CRISTO RALLY

MALACANANG on Friday announced the suspension of government work and classes in all levels in the cities of Manila and Pasay on January 13 due to the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally to be held at the Quirino Grandstand.

Based on a Memorandum Circular (MC) No.76 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on January 10, 2025, the suspension aims to ensure the smooth conduct of the INC’s National Rally for Peace, which is expected to attract around 1 million participants from across the country, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

“In view of the numerous participants expected to travel to and within the Cities of Manila and Pasay, government work and classes shall be suspended,” the memorandum read.

However, agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and those performing vital services will remain operational during the said date.

The memorandum added: “The suspension of work in private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.”

The INC rally is being organized to express support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s stance against the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

President Marcos earlier said he does not support calls for VP Duterte’s impeachment as it would not help the Filipino people.

The Vice President is facing three impeachment complaints in the House of Representatives.

Lawmakers said they filed the impeachment complaints against the vice president based on multiple grounds, including culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, bribery, and other high crimes.

Around 1,300 MMDA personnel will be deployed on the day of the event to manage traffic congestion and ensure public safety, said MMDA chairman Romando Artes.