MANILA (UPDATE) — Work in government offices will be suspended on April 5 from 12 p.m. onwards, Malacañang said on Friday.

The move is meant to "give government employees ample time to travel to and from different regions in the country" on Holy Week, the Presidential Communications Office said.

April 6, Maundy Thursday and April 7, Good Friday are regular holidays.

In a separate statement, the Presidential Communications Office clarified the suspension of government work on April 5 "only applies to the executive department."

Memorandum Circular No. 16, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, stated that agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, disaster response, and other important tasks in government "shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services."

The PCO added that the suspension of work in private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their employers.

Thousands of Catholic Filipinos are expected to go home to their hometowns for the long holiday weekend.

The Land Transportation Office earlier said it would be on "heightened alert" from this Friday until April 10, Day of Valor, for the safety of commuters.

• PITX expects to cater to 1.2 million passengers on Holy Week
• Holy Week travelers urged: Be at airport 4 hours before international flights

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