DILG scrutinizes local Teachers’ Day class suspensions

The legal authority of municipal mayors to suspend classes solely for National Teachers’ Day has come under scrutiny, leading several local government units to rescind earlier cancellation directives while others maintained localized suspensions for Monday.

A Department of the Interior and Local Government central office official familiar with the matter confirmed that local chief executives do not possess blanket legal authority to suspend classes merely to observe the special working holiday.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that under national basic education frameworks, localized executive class suspensions are restricted to severe weather, public emergencies, and natural disasters as defined under Executive Order 66 and Department of Education policies.

Republic Act 10743 designates 5 October as National Teachers’ Day and establishes it as a special working holiday.

While the law mandates government agencies and local governments to encourage employee participation in commemorative activities, it does not declare the date a non-working day or authorize mayors to cancel school operations.

The Presidential Communications Office issued a public advisory Sunday warning against fraudulent graphics circulating on social media that falsely claimed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had declared a nationwide class suspension.

Uncertainty over executive authority prompted multiple municipal governments to rescind or revise earlier suspension orders following legal reviews.