Fire hits Senate; no vital documents destroyed — Sotto
MANILA, Philippines — As sectors across the country rally against corruption, a fire hit the Senate on Sunday morning, November 30, Senate President Tito Sotto said.
The Bureau of Fire Protection reported that the fire occurred at the Legislative Technical Affairs Bureau, located on the third floor of the Senate building.
Firefighters estimated that the blaze started around 6:30 a.m. and was brought under control by 7:43 a.m.
The cause of the fire is still being determined by the authorities, according to Sotto.
“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.
Part of the corruption that protestors nationwide are currently rallying against is the flood control scam—the same case that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is probing.
During the Senate’s probe, several prominent figures have been implicated in the flood control scam, including Sens. Joel Villanueva, Chiz Escudero and Jinggoy Estrada.
In a video sent to the media, water used to put out the fire leaked into the Senate Hall, where most of the flood control hearings took place. It is also where the Senate regularly holds plenary sessions.
“The Senate’s maintenance team will be working round the clock to dry and restore the Session Hall to ensure it is fully ready for Monday’s session,” Sotto said.
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