A fire early Sunday on the third floor of the Senate building in Pasay City was contained to a single office, with officials now assessing potential damage before Monday’s scheduled budget deliberations.
The blaze, which started around 6:50 a.m. at the Legislative Technical Affairs Bureau, was declared out by the Bureau of Fire Protection at 8:20 a.m. The office handles technical and research support for legislative work. Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. said the fire remained confined to the bureau director’s office.
“May nakakita na may usok na lumalabas nga dun sa third floor… doon na-detect,” he said, noting that security personnel first spotted smoke.
No personnel were inside the building at the time.
“Wala naman kami pinapayagan po na matulog sa Senate building… Matagal na po natin pinagbawal ‘yung pagtutulog,” Bantug added.
While the cause is still under investigation, an electrical issue is being considered. Firefighters had to break a glass panel to access the office. Bantug said inspectors will prioritize the session hall directly below the affected area.
“‘Yan po yung kailangan ma-update namin agad ang ating Pangulo ng Senado kasi nga may session tayo bukas ng ala una… Ma-assess natin kung ano ‘yung naging water damage. Sa tingin ko naman, sana naman, hindi ganun kalaki yung damage,” he said.
Maintenance teams and the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms are coordinating with Senate President Tito Sotto for a joint inspection.