Palace defends work suspension in private offices in Metro Manila

MANILA -- Malacanang defended Tuesday its proclamation suspending work in all private offices in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said it is in the interest of public safety and general welfare, thus Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa invoked police power to suspend work including in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.

"Clients of BPOs and call centers are international but workers based here so employers must think of their welfare," Valte said.

"If your employer insists that you go to work, they must be able: (1) to guarantee your safety and (2) pay extra for your attendance," she added.

She stressed that some areas in Metro Manila are no longer passable.

Aside from the National Capital Region, Malacanang also suspended private offices in Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan.(Jill Beltran/Sunnex)