Senate postpones session amid COVID-19 fears

The Senate of the Philippines has postponed its session scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2020, due to rising fears over the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri announced the suspension of sessions until Wednesday, March 11, following an emergency meeting of the senators.

The postponement aims to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 among senators and staff.

While the Senate session is suspended, hearings of the Commission on Appointments are still expected to proceed on Wednesday.

Senate employees are not required to report to work at the discretion of their respective senators.

The public is also being asked to refrain from visiting the Senate premises during this period.

Some committee hearings were canceled or postponed by senators, while others planned to proceed with caution.

The Department of Health had announced 10 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the total to 20.

Senator Joel Villanueva canceled his labor committee hearing, requesting position papers instead.

Senator Richard Gordon postponed his justice committee hearing on GCTA but planned to proceed with a hearing on medical supplies stockpiling.