Senate and House of Representatives suspend their work on Wednesday, July 24

By: Charie Abarca, Faith Argosino – 46 mins ago

MANILA, Philippines – Work in the Senate and House of Representatives was suspended on Wednesday due to adverse weather conditions brought by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon or “Habagat.”

In a statement released Wednesday morning, Senate Secretary Atty. Renato Bantug said Senate President Francis Escudero ordered the suspension, citing various weather-related circumstances.

“In view of the persistent inclement weather due to the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina, the heavy flooding at the entrance of the Senate Building, and the forecast of moderate to heavy rains over Metro Manila and surrounding areas, Senate President Francis Escudero has declared the suspension of work in the Senate today, July 24, 2024,” the statement said.

According to Bantug, the meeting will continue as planned on July 29 at 3 p.m.

“In view of the current weather conditions as reported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, we wish to inform you that the work of the House of Representatives, including the conduct of the plenary session and committee hearings, is suspended today, July 24,” said House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco.

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

The storm was moving northwest at 25 kilometers per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers near the center and gusts of up to 190 kilometers per hour.

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