(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended work in government offices and classes in all schools in the cities of Manila and Pasay on Monday for the Iglesia ni Cristo's (INC) "National Rally for Peace."
Malacañang said the president declared the suspension through Memorandum Circular 76, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Friday.
Not covered by the suspension order are offices involved in delivering basic and health services, response to disasters and calamities, and other vital services.
"The suspension of work in private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads," he said.
Last Dec. 4, the religious group announced that it would hold a rally to support the president's stance against moves to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte.
The main rally will be at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, with simultaneous events in over 10 locations nationwide, including the cities of Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro.
Duterte faces three impeachment complaints at the House of Representatives.
The president has reiterated he does not support calls for the impeachment of the vice president, saying they would not help the Filipino people.
The INC supported the candidacy of Marcos and Duterte during the 2022 elections.
INC was founded by Felix Y. Manalo on July 27, 1914, and its first church was established in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila.
Starting with only a dozen followers, it has grown into a powerful religious sect with around 2.25 million followers worldwide.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has released a traffic rerouting plan for the INC rally.
Starting 4 a.m. on Monday, the following roads will be closed to traffic: Katigbak Drive, South Drive, Roxas Boulevard (from UN Avenue to P. Burgos), TM Kalaw, Bonifacio Drive (from P. Burgos to Anda Circle), P. Burgos (from Roxas Boulevard to Taft Avenue), and Maria Orosa Street.
Public utility vehicles and private vehicles going northbound from Roxas Boulevard will turn right to Quirino Avenue or UN Avenue, then left to Taft Avenue.
Private vehicles heading southbound from R-10 to Bonifacio Drive, going to Anda Circle, will turn left to Soriano Avenue, turn right to Muralla Street, left to Magallanes Drive, and right to P. Burgos to Taft Avenue.
Trucks on Osmeña Highway going to North Harbor will turn right to Quirino Avenue, straight to Nagtahan Street going to Lacson Avenue, left to Yuseco Street, straight ahead to Capulong Street, and right or left turn to R-10 Road.
Trucks coming from Parañaque City must turn right on Quirino Avenue to Nagtahan, then Lacson Avenue. Trucks going south can use the same route.