MANILA (Updated) – President Rodrigo Duterte has declared November 13 to 15 as special non-working days in Metro Manila, Bulacan and Pampanga due to the 31st Association of Southeast Asian (Asean) Summit and Related Meetings, which is expected to be attended by world leaders, including United States President Donald Trump.
On Monday, October 23, Malacañang released the Proclamation 332 signed by the President and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.
According to Proclamation 332, the declaration was upon the recommendation of Asean 2017 National Organizing Council since the Metro Manila, Bulacan and Pampanga "will be directly affected" by Southeast Asian bloc's activities.
"Various activities directly connected with the 31st Asean Summit and Related Summits, to be attended by Asean leaders and Asean dialogue partners, will be held in the NCR (Manila) and Clark Field Pampanga," the Chief Executive said.
"The Asean 2017 National Organizing Council has recommended that 13 to 15 November 2017 be declared as special non-working days in the NCR (Manila) and the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga, as these areas will be directly affected by the said activities," he added.
Following the declaration, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno ordered Monday work suspension for all courts in Metro Manila, Pampanga and Bulacan in time for the Asean Summit from November 13 to 15.
In a statement, Sereno cited access issues and security preparations for the international summit for the suspension
She also directed executive judges in the first and second level courts in NCR and the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga to maintain a skeletal force in their offices “to receive emergency filings and issuance of urgent reliefs, as may be warranted under the circumstances."
In April, Malacañang also suspended government work and classes in some parts of Metro Manila during the 30th Asean Summit held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
The Philippines, which chairs the 10-nation Southeast Asian bloc this year, has hosted various activities and meetings related to Asean throughout the country.
The 31st Asean meetings are scheduled to take place from November 10 to 14 in Clark, Pampanga and in Manila.
The 31st Asean Summit and Related Meetings are expected to be attended by the regional bloc’s dialogue partners Australia, Canada, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the United States.
(with YJG/SunStar Philippines)