Who Has the Power to Suspend Work During Heavy Rainfall?

Signal No. 3 doesn’t always mean no work for everyone.

Published on Jul 22, 2025

(SPOT.ph) When floodwaters rise, one question echoes across group chats and social media feeds: “May pasok ba?” You’d think suspending work due to bad weather would be straightforward in a country so used to typhoons and monsoon rains, but the rules depend on who you work for, where you are, and what kind of announcement gets made.

Who exactly gets to make that call?

Watch for announcements from the following authorities

PAGASA

For government offices, the suspension of work is usually based on Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's (PAGASA) official storm signals under Executive Order (EO) No. 66 s 2012.

If Signal No. 3 or higher is raised, work in all government offices—and classes from preschool to graduate school—are automatically suspended. The same order automatically cancels classes at lower levels: Signal No. 1 for preschool and Signal No. 2 for preschool to high school. These suspensions take effect without the need for a separate declaration from local government units. This means once the signal is up, the suspension is presumed to be in force.

The EO also requires that PAGASA and National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) release weather forecasts no later than 10:00 p.m. the night before or 4:30 a.m. on the day itself for full-day suspensions. For afternoon-only suspensions, the cutoff is 11:00 a.m.

In practice though, local government units will still often release formal announcements to confirm and clarify the scope of the suspension.

Office of the President

If a weather disturbance spans multiple regions or affects the National Capital Region, Malacañang can issue its own suspension orders under the same EO. Through the Office of the President, it may release a memorandum circular suspending government work and public classes for a full day or half day. These decisions usually follow widespread forecasts from PAGASA and NDRRMC.

These circulars only apply to government offices as private companies are expected to exercise their own judgment. However, critical government services, like emergency response and health, must remain operational for obvious reasons.

Also read: PSA: Employers Can’t Force You to Work During a Typhoon

Private sector employers

Just because government work is called off doesn’t automatically mean you're excused in the private sector.

It’s worth repeating that while the EO covers government offices and schools, it does not apply to private employers unless they choose to adopt it. This means that even during heavy rainfall, employees in the private sector should wait for formal company announcements. If your human resources department hasn’t issued a memo, you’re still technically expected to show up, unless your employer has a standing policy for weather-related absences.

According to Labor Advisories 16 and 17 from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), employers can choose to suspend work when weather conditions put employees at risk. If you work six hours or more before being sent home, you're entitled to your full day’s wage. Work less than six hours, you’ll only be paid for the hours actually rendered.

That said, DOLE has made it clear that your boss can't legally force you to report to work when it's genuinely unsafe to do so—and you can't be penalized for it. That means no memos, no deductions, and no threats of disciplinary action for choosing safety. Just keep in mind that if you don’t report to work, the “no work, no pay” rule will apply, unless you're allowed to use leave credits or have protections through a collective bargaining agreement. On the flip side, employers are encouraged to offer incentives to those who do manage to report during these conditions.

DOLE also encourages companies to provide options like flexible work arrangements or temporary remote work when feasible. After all, not everyone has access to private vehicles or lives in a flood-free barangay.

Local government units

Outside of typhoons, Section 2 of EO 66 allows local government units (LGUs) to declare their own suspension of work and classes. Localized suspensions may be issued due to flooding, landslides, or other high-risk conditions, even without a PAGASA storm signal. In these cases, the city or provincial disaster risk reduction council recommends suspension, which the mayor or governor formalizes.

LGUs are required to make announcements by 4:30 a.m. for morning suspensions and by 11:00 a.m. for afternoon suspensions. These are usually made through various online channels, so it’s always a good idea to follow your LGU’s official Facebook page.

Also read: In Bad Weather, Is It Okay to Order via Grab or Foodpanda?

Micah believes that writing is always political. Beyond the byline, you’ll find her bruising herself in a pole studio or napping with her beagle. Reach her at micah@spot.ph.