Senate extends lockdown until April 12

The Senate of the Philippines will remain closed until April 12 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among staff and senators.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III announced this decision following a recent spike in positive cases and the detection of new virus variants.

While the building was initially placed under a six-day lockdown after 24 employees tested positive, concerns over further transmission led to extending the closure.

Senators will only convene for urgent or critical hearings during this period, with minimal staff present on April 5-8 and Holy Week.