Malacañang suspended classes and work in government offices in Metro Manila on Monday because of tropical storm Egay and the planned transport strike.

The President will also deliver his second state of the nation address on Monday. 

In Memorandum Circular No. 25, the palace said the suspension of work and classes in the capital region was due to “the forecasted inclement weather” from Egay and the scheduled 72-hour transport strike. 

“However, those agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services,” it said.

It also said the suspension of work in private companies and classes in private schools would depend on the decision of their respective heads. 

Based on the latest bulletin from the state weather bureau, tropical storm Egay slightly intensified while moving westward over the Philippine Sea.

It has maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 90 km/h.

It is forecast to intensify into a severe tropical storm in the next 12 hours. It may reach super typhoon category on Tuesday or Wednesday while over the Philippine Sea east of Extreme Northern Luzon.

A super typhoon is a tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed exceeding 185 kph or more than 100 knots. 

Egay is the country’s fifth storm this year.

Meanwhile, a group of traditional jeepney drivers will hold a three-day transport strike beginning on Monday in protest of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program and the route rationalization plan, among other issues.