By Argyll Cyrus GeducosÂ
President Duterte will push through with his scheduled visit to the Philippine Marine Corps in Taguig City Monday despite the suspension of government work following the eruption of the Taal Volcano.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo (PCOO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo reported that Duterte had a hard time leaving Davao City and only arrived in Manila a few hours before noon.
"The Marines event this afternoon will push through... could not fly to Manila from Davao last night because visibility was - and could still be zero," he said.
"But he told me he would be flying this morning and might land in Clark instead and proceed to Manila by land. He will take whatever transportation available to be able to reach Manila today," he added.
In a text message to reporters, Panelo said the appropriate agencies were doing what they needed to do in times of calamity per direction of the President.
However, the Taal Volcano eruption prompted Duterte to reschedule his attendance to the distribution of benefits to rebel returnees in San Isidro, Leyte on Tuesday to a later date.
"Due to the recent eruption of Taal volcano, and to ensure safety of travel and better preparation of the officials, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's engagement in San Isidro, Leyte has been rescheduled to later date," Panelo said in a text message to reporters Monday afternoon.
Panelo earlier assured the public that President Duterte was on top of the situation and has instructed authorities to make sure people near the volcano were "out of the danger zone."
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, by the authority of the President, has directed the suspension of classes in all levels and work in government in the affected areas of Calabarzon, the National Capital Region and Central Luzon as recommended by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
The suspension of work, however, does not apply to frontline response agencies involved in disaster response, delivery of basic and health service, and/or other vital services.
The Palace also urged the private sector to suspend work on Monday to ensure the safety of its workers.
Read more:Â Taal alert level 4 up after phreatic eruption
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo (PCOO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo reported that Duterte had a hard time leaving Davao City and only arrived in Manila a few hours before noon.
"The Marines event this afternoon will push through... could not fly to Manila from Davao last night because visibility was - and could still be zero," he said.
"But he told me he would be flying this morning and might land in Clark instead and proceed to Manila by land. He will take whatever transportation available to be able to reach Manila today," he added.
In a text message to reporters, Panelo said the appropriate agencies were doing what they needed to do in times of calamity per direction of the President.
However, the Taal Volcano eruption prompted Duterte to reschedule his attendance to the distribution of benefits to rebel returnees in San Isidro, Leyte on Tuesday to a later date.
"Due to the recent eruption of Taal volcano, and to ensure safety of travel and better preparation of the officials, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's engagement in San Isidro, Leyte has been rescheduled to later date," Panelo said in a text message to reporters Monday afternoon.
Panelo earlier assured the public that President Duterte was on top of the situation and has instructed authorities to make sure people near the volcano were "out of the danger zone."
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, by the authority of the President, has directed the suspension of classes in all levels and work in government in the affected areas of Calabarzon, the National Capital Region and Central Luzon as recommended by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
The suspension of work, however, does not apply to frontline response agencies involved in disaster response, delivery of basic and health service, and/or other vital services.
The Palace also urged the private sector to suspend work on Monday to ensure the safety of its workers.
Read more:Â Taal alert level 4 up after phreatic eruption