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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senate remains open despite rise in COVID-19 cases

Senate remains open despite rise in COVID-19 cases

Published Jan 4, 2022 11:34 am

Unlike the House of Representatives, the Senate will not order a lockdown even as COVID-19 infections continue to rise.

However, Senate President Vicente C. Sotto decided to cancel a public hearing of the Senate as a Committee of the Whole scheduled for tomorrow.

Sotto pointed out that very few have been going to the Senate complex in Pasay City and there are no reports of COVID-19 infections, he pointed out.

Nevertheless, Sotto cancelled the scheduled second public hearing by the Senate as a Committee to the Whole on smuggling of agricultural products from China chaired by the Senate chief.

It was Sotto himself who delivered a privilege speech on the smuggling at the country’s ports and sought a Senate investigation into unabated smuggling operations.

The Senate environment committee also cancelled its public hearing tomorrow on protected areas and reclassification of agricultural lands.

This morning, the Lower House announced it was locking down the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City where congressmen have offices and where they hold regular sessions in order to avoid COVID-19 infections.

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