Classes in all levels and work in government offices were suspended for the second straight day on Tuesday due to inclement weather caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon.

Scientist Mahar Lagmay, quoting a meteorologist, said a low pressure area ''suddenly formed in the '' east of Luzon and enhanced the southwest monsoon. ''That has been enhancing the rains in Metro Manila and in the west of Luzon, including parts of Palawan and Mindoro,'' he told The Big Story.

Malacanang approved this recommendation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other Cabinet members late Monday.

DILG said suspension of work and classes will cover the National Capital Region, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan. Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Pangasinan, Tarlac and Occidental Mindoro.

As an orange rainfall warning, or rains of between 100 milimeters to 200 milimeters, fell on Metro Manila as early as Monday morning, floods occured in the same areas which experienced heavy rains on Saturday.

Marikina City undertook pre-emptive evacuation as the level in the Marikina level neared 17 meters. Pasig City declared red alert as La Mesa Dam overflowed.

Late Monday night, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (Pagasa) placed Metro Manila and other areas under red rainfall warning, the highest in the agency's color-coded scheme.

Rains up to 200 milimeters are forecast, creating floods in low-lying areas.

Suspension of classes were only announced on early afternoon on Manila and the DILG apologized for the late action.

DILG said it is up to private companies to declare similar work suspension.

It added the suspension of classes and work in government offices may be extended until Thursday depending on the weather forecast. DMS