Senate cancels work on Monday as Taal ashfall reaches Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate announced the suspension of its work on Monday after the Taal Volcano spewed ash Sunday afternoon.

READ: BREAKING: Taal volcano spews ash in phreatic eruption

In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that work at the Senate, except for a “skeleton force” at the Office of the Senate Sergeant at Arms, would be suspended.

Asked on how long the cancelation of work at the Senate will be, Sotto said: “Depende [It depends]. As soon as the ashfall stops.”

“It’s dangerous and hazardous,” he added.

The office of Sen. Grace Poe also announced that the Senate public services hearing on the regulation of motorcycle taxis,  originally set for Tuesday, Jan. 14, would be rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16, “in the interest of public safety amid the Taal eruption.”

READ: Motorcycle taxis ownership issues, pilot test to be raised in Senate hearing

Meanwhile, Sen. Imee Marcos called on local government units to ensure the safety of its residents.

“I hope the LGUs around Taal Volcano will start implementing the emergency protocol and the evacuation of dangerous areas to ensure the safety of everyone,” Marcos said in a statement in Filipino.

“The ashfall has reached Metro Manila. Avoid it as it is dangerous to health,” she added.

As of this posting, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised Alert Level 4 over Taal Volcano.

Alert Level 4 means that “hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days.”

READ: Taal Volcano now on Alert Level 4: ‘Hazardous eruption imminent’

/atm