The Senate has declared a suspension of its operations today, October 23, due to the inclement weather brought on by Typhoon Kristine. However, several hearings, including the investigation into Pastor Apollo Quiboloy's case, will still take place.
In an advisory, the Senate stated that the "partial suspension" was ordered by Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero.
"In view of the committee hearings that have been previously scheduled for today, the Senate President has instructed that Secretariat officers and employees whose services are essential and necessary for the conduct of the said hearings are required to report for work today," Atty. Renato Bantug Jr., secretary of the Senate wrote.
Meanwhile, the heads of OSAA, Legislation, ODSEAR, MGSB, EDP-MIS, PRIB, MDB, and SMU are directed to ensure the presence of personnel who will assist in the hearings.
"Those required to report for work shall be entitled to compensatory time off," the statement read.
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is set to appear at a Senate hearing today to address allegations of human trafficking against him and other serious charges involving his religious group, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
The Senate aims to have Quiboloy face victims during this session.
Quiboloy is currently detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame and is facing charges of human trafficking and sexual abuse.
