Senate Work Suspended Amid Heavy Rainfall Forecast
Senate leaders have announced the suspension of work in the Senate on August 26 due to the forecast of heavy rainfall caused by a low pressure area and the southwest monsoon. This decision prioritizes the safety of Senate employees and aligns with broader government precautionary measures.
Senate President Francis Escudero issued the directive early, emphasizing the need to suspend regular Senate work in response to the anticipated severe weather conditions. The suspension of work in the Senate aims to protect personnel from hazards brought by the heavy rains.
Commission on Appointments Session to Proceed
Despite the suspension of general Senate activities, the plenary session of the Commission on Appointments (CA) will continue as scheduled at 10 a.m. Senate President Escudero instructed that all arrangements necessary for the CA to conduct its session be upheld without disruption.
The head of the Maintenance and General Services Bureau (MGSB) has been tasked to ensure that the Senate Hall remains fully prepared for the Commission’s work. This is critical to allow the CA to fulfill its constitutional mandate under Article VI, Section 19.
Essential Personnel to Report, Others Excused
Escudero clarified that only essential personnel involved in facilitating the Commission on Appointments’ session are required to report for duty. All other Senate officials and employees are excused from work on August 26 in light of the weather advisory.
This move follows a similar suspension order from the Office of the President, which called for the suspension of work in government offices across Metro Manila and several provinces. Local leaders noted the government’s proactive stance in ensuring public safety during adverse weather conditions.
Government’s Coordinated Response to Weather Threats
Officials reported that the suspension of work in the Senate aligns with broader governmental efforts to mitigate risks posed by the low pressure area and southwest monsoon. These weather systems are expected to bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and possible disruptions to public services.
Community members expressed support for the preventive measures, acknowledging the importance of prioritizing safety and minimizing exposure to hazardous weather while ensuring that critical government functions, such as the Commission on Appointments session, proceed uninterrupted.
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