SENATE President Win Gatchalian leads officials in implementing the suspension of Monday’s impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as the Senate shifts to a work-from-home arrangement amid heavy rains and flooding brought by the southwest monsoon, or habagat, across Metro Manila.
PHOTO courtesy of Senator Win Gatchalian
The Senate canceled Monday’s impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as it shifted to a work-from-home arrangement amid the heavy rains and flooding across Metro Manila brought by the prevailing southwest monsoon, or habagat.
Senate President Win Gatchalian informed reporters early Monday that the afternoon session was likewise suspended, in accordance with Memorandum Circular No. 123 issued by Malacañang, due to projected heavy rainfall from two intensified tropical cyclones expected to cause severe flooding.
The inclement weather also prompted the suspension of classes and court operations in Metro Manila, as severe downpours were expected to persist throughout the day, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
Government agencies providing essential and emergency services, particularly health and disaster response, were exempt from the work suspension and would maintain full operations.
Major thoroughfares in Manila, such as Bonifacio Drive, Roxas Boulevard and portions of España-Lacson, were gutter-deep in floodwaters, around eight inches, but passable, though low-lying areas and intersections such as Vito Cruz and Taft Avenue and in Sta. Mesa had knee-deep and higher levels of water.
In Pasay, major roads such as Andrews-Tramo and the Roxas Boulevard-EDSA service road were largely under gutter-deep water but were passable.
Specific segments, including EDSA-Taft northbound and southbound as well as some intersections, experienced temporary knee-deep flooding.
The authorities advised residents to remain alert, monitor weather and flood advisories, and avoid traveling through flooded roads. Residents in flood-prone communities were encouraged to follow evacuation instructions from their local government.
Pagasa warned that flash floods were possible due to heavy rains in Metro Manila and several parts of Luzon, including the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Nueva Vizcaya, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro.
