Palace debunks fake post claiming nationwide class suspension on Monday, October 5

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 05, 2026

Photo courtesy: Presidential Communication Office

MANILA, Philippines — Classes have not been suspended nationwide on Monday, October 5, despite a social media graphic claiming otherwise, Malacañang said as it warned the public against spreading unverified announcements.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) flagged the circulating material as fake and clarified that it did not issue an announcement declaring a nationwide class suspension for the observance of National Teachers’ Day. 

The clarification means the Teachers’ Day observance does not, by itself, cancel classes across the country. The PCO urged students, parents and school personnel to verify information through official government channels before sharing posts about class schedules.

A review of official Palace issuances likewise shows no proclamation from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declaring October 5 a nationwide school holiday or ordering the suspension of classes.

The clarification, however, does not prevent individual local governments or education officials from issuing suspensions applicable to their own areas. More than 10 municipalities in Iloilo, for example, separately suspended classes and school-based work on October 5 in connection with Teachers’ Day activities. Those are local decisions and should not be interpreted as a nationwide directive. 

The distinction is particularly important as class suspension announcements may come from different levels of government depending on the circumstances. Malacañang recently said updated guidelines were being prepared to clarify the respective roles of local governments and the Department of Education in announcing suspensions, particularly during rapidly changing weather conditions. 

National Teachers’ Day is observed in the Philippines on October 5, coinciding with World Teachers’ Day, and caps the country’s National Teachers’ Month celebration.

The PCO advised the public to rely on announcements published through verified government accounts and official channels for updates on class suspensions.