Sotto suspends Senate work in line with enhanced community quarantine

Work at the Senate will be suspended starting Tuesday, according to Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday afternoon.

This is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of an enhanced community quarantine over the whole Luzon.

"We follow. Senate employees will no longer go to work in the meantime. OSAA (Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms) and security guards will remain in a skeletal number only," Sotto told reporters in a message.

Prior to the said announcement, the Senate announced that it will shorten its office hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting March 16, given the community quarantine protocols that were initially set for Metro Manila.

Congress is currently on break and will resume session on May 4.

Asked if the senators are mulling to conduct special sessions via telecommuting during the quarantine period, Sotto said he sees no need.

"What for? Ano ipapasa namin na kailangan agad? Budget is complete and available with the executive department. Late filing of taxes can be waived. Curfew can be imposed by LGUs... Executive department has more than enough [budget]. DBM Sec[retary] even said before. There are so many budgets available," Sotto said. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News