Manila, Sept. 22 -- The City Council has approved on second reading a proposed ordinance that would institutionalize logistical support and an automatic skeleton workforce to ensure continuity of public services during calamities, work suspensions and other emergencies.

"Logistical support, supplies and manpower will be automatically activated upon the declaration of a work suspension, state of calamity, or other emergency," City Council information officer Jordan Habbiling said Tuesday.

The measure, authored by Councilor Van Oliver Dicang, defines logistical support as transportation, meals, temporary shelter, protective equipment, health supplies, fuel, repairs, vehicle maintenance and other resources needed by personnel performing em...