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Palace hit for late suspension of govt work due to 'Pedring'


An opposition lawmaker has criticized Malacañang and other government agencies for the late announcement of work suspension in government offices in Metro Manila and other areas hit by Typhoon Pedring on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Deputy Minority Leader Milagros Magsaysay said the late announcement from the president’'s spokespersons caused inconvenience to some government employees. "When they [presidential spokespersons] make an announcement, agahan naman nila. I noticed yesterday [Tuesday], ang problema natin, ‘yung iba in transit na sila from their places of abode to their places of work," Magsaysay said at a press briefing. But as early as Tuesday, Malacañang had already apologized for the late announcement of work suspension in government offices. Malacañang issued the announcement at 7 a.m. Tuesday. "We ask for pardon if it was a bit late, but I think we were able to prevent a number of government employees also from leaving. Again we are in constant touch with all the government officials po," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said at a press briefing. Lacierda said they waited for the the recommendation from Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) before making the announcement. 'Communication problems?' Criticizing the late announcement, Magsaysay said it showed "communication problems" in the Aquino government. "Whoever is in-charge of decision-making, dapat 4:30 a.m. pa lang, tinatawagan na niya ang spokespersons ng Pangulo para sabihin ang stand natin… That’s a very simple request I hope they adhere to," she said. Magsaysay likewise said that the government should suspend government work in Metro Manila by 5 a.m. during future weather disturbances. "I don’t care about their night life as long as they give the directive by 5 a.m. whether hindi pa sila natutulog o patulog pa lang sila," she said. — RSJ, GMA News

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