Manila declares 5-day holiday for pope Filed under: Headlines | MANILA, Nov. 28, 2014— Mayor Joseph Estrada has declared as a five-day, non-working holiday in Manila for Pope Francis’ visit on Jan. 15 to 19. In an executive order, Estrada declared the suspension of classes and a declaration of a holiday in all the city government offices during the papal visit. Pope Francis visit to the Philippines includes trips to Manila and Tacloban City. (Photo: CNA) Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines includes trips to Manila and Tacloban City. (Photo: CNA) The city government cited the millions of people from all over the country who are expected to come to Manila to see the Pope as among the reasons for the declaration of the holiday. “The Manila Committee for the Papal Visit, the Manila Police District and the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office have recommended the declaration of a work holiday and suspension of classes during the Papal Visit to ensure public order, safety and convenience,” part of the executive order reads. Estrada, however, added that suspension of work in all private offices in Manila “is left to the discretion of their management.” The mayor’s order also excludes whose in public offices are involved in the maintenance of peace order, disaster and risk management, traffic enforcement, health and sanitation. Malacañang earlier said it is also considering to declare a holiday when the pope arrives in Manila. Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa said in a media briefing last Nov. 14 that suspension of classes and non-working holidays in areas to be visited by the pontiff could be an option for security measures. “If it will help, definitely, then we will do that,” he said. Among the venues in Manila to be visited by the Pope are the Malacañang, Manila Cathedral, University of Santo Tomas and Quirino Grandstand. (CBCPNews)
Posted on: Fri, 28 Nov 2014 01:10:23 +0000