Work in Senate, courts suspended

MANILA, Philippines–Senate employees, except those involved in the ongoing hearing of the blue ribbon committee, were allowed to go home starting 1:00 pm. Tuesday due to bad weather.

“Due to the inclement weather and flood in some areas, Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile has authorized that Senate employees who are not involved in the committee hearing may now be off from work at 1:00 p.m,” said a copy of the announcement furnished to the media.

“All employees assisting the hearing must leave after the adjournment,” it added.

The committee is conducting an investigation into the alleged anomalous purchase of used helicopters by the Philippine National Police.

The Senate also cancelled its session scheduled at 3:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court also on Tuesday ordered the suspension of work in all courts at the National Capital Region.

Upon orders of Chief Justice Renato Corona, high court Spokesman Jose Midas Marquez said the order covers all courts including the Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and all the lower courts.

Marquez said that in affected provinces, it will be the discretion of the executive judges to declare work suspension.