By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
There will be no holiday break for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and key government agencies during the Holy Week as they continue to monitor pressing national and global concerns, Malacañang said on Wednesday.
In a radio interview, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President remains on duty “24/7” even if he spends Holy Week in his hometown Ilocos Norte.
Castro assured the public that concerned agencies are ready to act swiftly to mitigate any adverse effects of the Middle East conflict during the holiday.
“Alam natin basta ang Pangulo ay kahit nasa Ilocos Norte o kahit nasaan pang lugar iyan, kapag nag-utos ang Pangulo, dapat sundin, lalo na kung inutos niya para sa ating mga kababayan,” she said.
“Itong nangyayaring krisis sa Middle East, hindi naman ito pwedeng kahit na holiday tayo, tapos hindi gagalaw ang Pangulo. Hindi ganoon. 24/7 ang Pangulo.”
Castro said government work remains uninterrupted during holidays, especially when public welfare is at stake.
She noted that the government is closely monitoring developments in the Gulf region and their possible impact on global oil prices and local fuel supply.
Key agencies such as the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are on standby, she said.
She said these agencies are expected to respond to any issues that may arise during the long holiday, particularly those affecting travelers and consumers.
“Iyan ang mga ahensya na dapat kumikilos. Lalo na kapag walang pasok, lalo na kapag holiday. Sila yung dapat inaasahan,” Usec. Castro said.
DND also on alert
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also said its attached agencies, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are on alert for the annual religious observance.
“During this solemn season, the DND and its attached bureaus will continue to be vigilant against all threats, whether natural or man-made, to ensure the safety and well-being of our people,” he said in a statement.
Teodoro likewise joined Filipino Catholics in observing this sacred time for prayer, reflection, and renewal of faith.
“We also keep in our thoughts and prayers our men and women in uniform who remain on duty during this occasion. May we all have a blessed Holy Week,” he said. (With a report from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
