Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 19) — Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella announced work in government offices and classes in public schools and universities are suspended on Sept. 21.

"The Acting Executive Secretary will issue a memorandum circular suspending work in government offices both national and local, as well as classes in all public schools, state colleges and universities," he said at the Malacañang briefing on Tuesday.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said he would declare the date-- the anniversary of the declaration of martial law -- a "National Day of Protest." Abella said he expects the proclamation to be signed shortly.

However, Abella clarified it was not a special non-working holiday. He said

suspensions in private companies and schools will be left to the discretion of their respective heads.

The "National Day of Protest" will be set aside "for people to exercise their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly and to seek redress for their grievances against the government, past or present," Abella said.

He said law enforcers are directed to stay away from mass actions and to exercise maximum restraint unless their intervention is necessary to maintain public order. Select government agencies will also be on standby to provide emergency assistance near protest sites.