House suspends work, declares essential personnel for heavy rains

The House of Representatives has suspended work for a third consecutive day, starting at 4 pm on Monday, July 21, and continuing through Wednesday, July 23, due to heavy rains and flooding from the southwest monsoon.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco advised that essential personnel will continue working as determined by Deputy Secretaries General or the Sergeant-at-Arms to ensure vital services remain uninterrupted.

Malacañang earlier announced a suspension of work in government offices and classes starting at 1 pm on Monday in Metro Manila and several provinces due to heavy rains from the southwest monsoon.

Agencies involved in delivering basic services, health care, disaster preparedness, and other vital functions will continue their operations despite the suspension.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) predicts that Metro Manila and several provinces will receive 100 to 200 mm of rainfall due to enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat until Tuesday.

As of Monday, five deaths and seven missing persons have been reported in different areas due to the combined effects of Tropical Storm Crising and the southwest monsoon.