Senate, House suspend work on Wednesday, July 24

MANILA, Philippines – Work in the Senate and House of Representatives has been suspended on Wednesday in light of the inclement weather caused by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon, or “habagat.”

In an advisory issued Wednesday morning, Senate Secretary Atty. Renato Bantug said Senate President Francis Escudero ordered the suspension, citing various weather-related circumstances,

“In view of the continuous inclement weather caused by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina, the deep flood at the Senate entrance, and the forecast for medium to heavy rains over Metro Manila and nearby areas, Senate President Francis Escudero has declared the suspension of work at the Senate today, 24, 2024,” the advisory reads. 

According to Bantug, the session will resume as scheduled at 3 p.m. on July 29. 

“Considering the current weather conditions as reported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, please be advised that work in the House of Representatives, including the conduct of the plenary session and committee hearings, are suspended today, July 24,” House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), in an early morning update, reported that Carina was last spotted some 290 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.

It was moving northwest at 25 kilometers per hour (kph), with maximum sustained winds of 155 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 190 kph.

Carina also enhanced the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” which is expected to bring moderate to intense rainfall in the western part of Luzon from Wednesday to Friday.