Sotto: Senate documents intact despite blaze incident

Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed Sunday that all crucial Senate documents, including those of the Blue Ribbon Committee, remain intact and safe following an early morning fire in one of the building’s offices.

Sotto issued a statement assuring the public that no records were affected by the blaze, which broke out on the third floor.

“Rest assured that all pertinent Senate documents — including those of the Blue Ribbon Committee — remain intact, safe and completely unaffected by the fire,” Sotto said.

The fire was reported to the Bureau of Fire Protection at 6:30 a.m. in the office of the Legislative Technical Affairs Bureau. Firefighters responded immediately and declared the fire under control by 7:43 a.m.

While the documents were secured, Sotto cited that the suppression efforts caused damage elsewhere.

“Water used in the suppression efforts resulted in leakage into the Session Hall, originating from the affected floor,” Sotto said.

Due to the water seepage, Sotto announced that the Senate session, originally scheduled for Monday, will be postponed. Session will now resume on 2 December.

Authorities are currently determining the cause of the fire and assessing the full extent of the damage and Sotto said that the Senate maintenance team is working around the clock to dry and restore the Session Hall.