President Rodrigo Duterte plans to declare class and government work suspensions on Thursday, September 21, 2017 a day he calls a “National Day of Protest.”
He clarified that September 21, the day that marks the 45th anniversary of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ martial law nationwide, was not declared as a holiday.
“September 21 is not a holiday. I have declared it as a [National] Day of Protest. All who want to stage protests against the government, police, military and everyone, come down here and launch a rally,” the President said after his wake visit to a policeman who died in a anti-drug operation in Caloocan City.
“Even us in the government, I will also protest because we have meager salary. We don’t have equipment. We don’t have allowance. Let’s all stage massive protests,” he added.
The President also reminded the communists not to commit crimes and violent acts when they stage protests.
“Come down here, I will not arrest you. But for the life of me, I am asking you, do not commit a crime,” he said.
As of this posting, Rappler said a source from the Office of the Executive Secretary said the document suspending government work and classes has not yet been signed by Duterte.
UPDATE:
Malacañang on Tuesday noon, Sept. 19, said government work and classes in all public schools nationwide would be suspended on Thursday, September 21, which President Rodrigo Duterte declared as a National Day of Protest.
Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella made the announcement in a briefing in Malacañang.
“The Office of the Executive Secretary will issue a memorandum circular suspending work in government offices both national and local as well as classes in all public schools, state colleges and universities,” read a statement sent to reporters after the briefing.
He said the suspension of work in the private sector and in private schools would be left to the discretion of their companies and school heads.
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