Remulla seeking authority to declare class suspensions during typhoons

Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary  Jonvic Remulla presents to the media, Russian Vlogger Vitaly Zdororvetskiy during a briefing at the Quezon City Reception House on April 7, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

QUEZON CITY — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he will ask for authority to declare class suspensions earlier during tropical cyclones, citing his gubernatorial experience in handling them.

He clarified however that the power has not yet been granted.

“Hindi ko alam kung ibibigay sa akin, pero hinihiling ko,” Remulla said in an ambush interview. 

Remulla, a former Cavite governor, believes his hands-on experience in local governance, especially in disaster preparedness, would make him an effective decision-maker during weather disturbances.

“Ang practice ko nung governor ako, talagang kabisado ko lahat ng mapa kung paano ako marating,” said Remulla.

“At kung ganun, ay pwede nating i-announce mas maaga. Nakikita ko, alam ko naman lahat yung mga rain patterns, kung saan pupunta, may geohazards kami,” he adds.

'Mas maganda': DepEd touts new policy on class suspensions during inclement weather

He emphasized that centralizing the authority to suspend classes under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) would enable more accurate and timely coordination with local government units, especially in times of floods, typhoons, and other natural disasters. 

“Mas madaling mag-coordinate kung galing sa amin ang suspension ng classes,” he added.

Currently, the power to suspend classes primarily lies with local chief executives and the Department of Education, depending on the severity of the situation and location.