MANILA – Malacañang is weighing the potential benefits of centralizing the power to suspend classes during typhoons, following a proposal from Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Presidential Communications Office’s Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has yet to issue an official decision on Remulla’s request for such authority.
“Sa ngayon ay wala pang opisyal na sagot patungkol sa suggestion ni Secretary Jonvic Remulla. Ito po ay pag-aaralan kung ito naman ay mas makakabuti sa nakararami,” Castro said.
Remulla, a former long-time governor of Cavite, argued that centralized authority would allow for quicker and more consistent decisions on class suspensions, especially during fast-moving tropical cyclones.
Under current policy, local government units (LGUs) are empowered to issue class suspensions in their respective areas. For wider coverage, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) usually makes a recommendation to the Palace.
“Kung ano yung sistema natin sa kasalukuyan, kung saan ang liderato ng mga LGU na siyang nagbibigay ng kanilang utos o order kung merong suspensyon ng mga klase, ’yun po muna ang mananatili,” Castro added.
The Philippines faces an average of 20 tropical cyclones annually, with the most severe weather typically occurring between July and October./PN
