By Ben Rosario Deputy Speaker and 1Pacman Partylist Rep. Michael “Mikee” Romero on Friday proposed a 14-day work suspension in the House of Representatives in response to President Duterte’s recommendation. 1PACMAN partylist Rep. Michael "Mikee" Romero (Mikee Romero blogspot / MANILA BULLETIN) Romero acknowledged that a special session is being mulled to pave the way for the approval of a P1.6 billion supplemental budget that will help finance the country’s fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID 19). However, he noted that senators comprising nearly half of the Senate may not attend the special session because they have decided to go on self-quarantine. “Timing is good, we are on break,” Romero stressed. Romero said that as added precautionary measure, it is advisable for the House of Representatives to declare a long holiday for employees. He noted that Secretary General Jose Luis Montales announced on Thursday night that a House employee has been found positive for COVID 19. Montales said an employee of the chamber’s printing department is currently confined in an undisclosed hospital due to coronavirus infection. This development gives another strong argument for the House leadership to declare a 14-day holiday while the declaration of a special session is being awaited. The House official pointed out that special session may not be advisable in the next two weeks because senators representing nearly half of the Senate have volunteered to undergo the 14-day self-quarantine protocol. “I suggest majority of us, our staff and administrative personnel  should be allowed to observe the 14-day self-quarantine starting March 15 to prepare ourselves for the special session,” said Romero. “A skeletal work force can be tapped to hold fort and address urgent legislative work while others can be assigned to work from home,” the 1-Pacman Party-list lawmaker said.