SENATE President Sherwin Gatchalian has placed all Senate officials and employees under a work-from-home arrangement on Monday, August 10, due to the inclement weather brought by the Southwest Monsoon or habagat.
The decision follows Memorandum Circular No. 123 issued by Malacañang, which suspended in-person government work and face-to-face classes in Metro Manila and 15 provinces amid heavy rainfall and flooding across Luzon. Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. formally announced the directive, noting that the move ensures the safety of personnel while complying with the national government’s adverse weather guidelines.
The disruption extends to the Senate’s most high-profile business: the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and the scheduled plenary session have both been rescheduled to Tuesday, August 11. “The Senate will be under WFH setup today. No trial and session today as well,” Gatchalian confirmed. The postponement marks the first weather-related interruption to the impeachment proceedings, which have drawn national attention and are being closely monitored by the public.
State weather bureau Pagasa warned that monsoon rains will persist over Luzon and the western section of the Visayas on Tuesday, meaning conditions may remain challenging as the Senate resumes its work. The suspension of in-person operations reflects the widespread impact of the prolonged rainy season, which has already caused flooding, landslides, and multiple work and class suspensions across the country. Senate officials advised all personnel to remain on standby and monitor further advisories as weather conditions evolve.
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