Senate cancels impeachment trial, plenary session on Aug. 18 amid heavy rains
By Dhel Nazario
At A Glance
- Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian authorized all Senate officials and employees to work from home on Tuesday, Aug. 18, due to expected heavy rains and flooding from the southwest monsoon.
- The impeachment trial and plenary session scheduled for Tuesday were cancelled in view of the adverse weather conditions.
- The suspension follows Malacañang's Memorandum Circular No. 128, which ordered alternative arrangements in Metro Manila and 14 provinces affected by the Habagat.
The Senate will suspend its impeachment trial and plenary session on Tuesday, August 18, as heavy rains and flooding brought by the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, are expected to affect parts of Luzon.
People wade through flood waters along Taft Ave. in Manila on August 17, 2026, following heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon or “habagat.” Several roads in Metro Manila were reported flooded on Monday, disrupting transportation and leaving commuters stranded. (Mark Balmores)
In an advisory issued Monday night, Senate Secretary Atty. Renato Bantug Jr. said Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian authorized all Senate officials and employees to work from home on Tuesday.
The move was made in view of Memorandum Circular No. 128 issued by the Office of the President and the impact-based forecast of heavy rains and flooding due to the southwest monsoon.
“The impeachment trial and plenary session of the Senate tomorrow are likewise cancelled,” the advisory said.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 128, alternative work and learning arrangements will be implemented on Tuesday in Metro Manila and 14 provinces as Habagat continues to bring heavy rains and flooding.
The areas covered by the directive are Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Laguna, and Occidental Mindoro.
Earlier on Monday, Gatchaliana authorized employees to leave the office by 4 p.m. due to the inclement weather.