MANILA – Despite the absence of an official summer declaration, extreme heat levels continue to scorch parts of the country, prompting class suspensions in several Metro Manila cities.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recorded a 42°C heat index in Echague, Isabela, on Sunday.
By Monday (03 Mar 2025), temperatures soared even higher, with forecasts reaching 45°C in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, and 46°C in both Science Garden, Quezon City, and Clark Airport, Pampanga.
In response, the city governments of Valenzuela, Caloocan, Malabon, and Las Piñas have suspended face-to-face classes.
Caloocan City shifted to blended learning for public schools from Kindergarten to Senior High School, while Malabon and Las Piñas extended the suspension to all levels in both public and private schools. Valenzuela implemented the same measure for Kinder to Senior High School in both sectors.
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, registered the highest actual temperature on Sunday at 36.2°C, while Coron, Palawan, recorded a 45°C heat index on February 26.
PAGASA warns of worsening conditions, predicting a staggering 49°C heat index in Nueva Ecija on Tuesday, with Bataan and Olongapo expected to reach 44°C and 43°C, respectively.
Meanwhile, easterly winds will bring cloudy skies and scattered rains to Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao Oriental, while Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
PAGASA continues to monitor extreme temperatures, urging the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
ia/mnm
Teofilo Guadiz III, the chair of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), has been suspended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. following reports of alleged corruption.
In a statement issued by the Presidential Communications Office, President Marcos made it clear that he does not tolerate misconduct within his administration and has called for an immediate investigation into the matter.
The statement also emphasized the President’s strong condemnation of dishonesty and duplicity in public service.
The Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into Guadiz’s actions, and he has been instructed to provide an explanation regarding the allegations of misconduct related to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista underscored the agency’s commitment to rooting out corrupt officials who misuse their positions.
In a statement, Bautista revealed that the investigation was prompted by allegations of corruption and other irregularities, particularly concerning the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
“We have launched an investigation into the accusations against the LTFRB. While we are in the process of evaluating the alleged irregularities involving Chairman Guadiz, we have also issued a notice to explain to him, asking for clarification on the allegations,” Bautista stated.
He further emphasized the Department’s unwavering stance against corruption and its readiness to impose severe sanctions when warranted by the evidence.
Guadiz responded to the allegations with a statement on the same day, asserting that the agency remains committed to delivering efficient and equitable service to its stakeholders.
“As of this morning, I am in my office, and I am unaware of any official charges filed against me. However, if there are any, I will address them because I maintain my innocence,” he declared.
The suspension of Guadiz followed revelations by a former senior executive assistant who exposed alleged corrupt activities within the LTFRB. (ai/mnm)