Recto: No work at Senate until it’s safe after quake

MANILA, Philippines — Work at the Senate is suspended on Tuesday after a strong quake hit parts of the country late Monday afternoon.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto’s order allowed employees to go home shortly after the quake jolted the Senate building.

Senate’s main entrance now shut after strong quake pic.twitter.com/eKEQ8JNK43

— Lei (@LeiSalav) April 22, 2019

“All powers were shut down and people were allowed to go home,” Senate Sergeant of Arms Jose Balajadia said over the phone.

“We have to inspect the building now,” he said.

Senate employees allowed to go home early because of the earthquake. The Senate’s regular working hours are 8 am to 7 pm pic.twitter.com/lzxG8ew1Ff

— Lei (@LeiSalav) April 22, 2019

Recto, the officer in charge while Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III is abroad, said he received reports that there were cracks in the building.

He then ordered the suspension of work on Tuesday or until Balajadia’s office declare that it is safe to go back to the Senate building.

“I instructed Senate officers to allow all employees to go home and report to work only when Osaa determines that it is safe to do so,” Recto said in a text message.

Osaa is the Office of the Senate Sergeant at Arms.

“No work tom. Senate May have work on Wednesday only if Osaa determines it is safe to do so,” Recto added. /ee