Senate work partially suspended on Wednesday but Quiboloy probe to push through

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Wednesday announced the partial suspension of work in the Senate due to the inclement weather caused by Tropical Storm Kristine.

According to Nimfa Ravelo's report on Dobol B TV, Senate employees are not obliged to report for work for the day. They can opt not to subject to the discretion of the principals of their respective offices.

Malacañang earlier suspended government work and classes in all levels in the entire Luzon on Wednesday in anticipation of the effects of Tropical Storm Kristine. 

Despite the partial suspension of work in the Senate, the committee hearings scheduled for the day will push through and concerned officers and employees are required to report for work.

Among the hearings set for the day is the one by the Committee Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality on the alleged abuses committed by the religious group Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and its founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

Quiboloy, currently detained at a facility inside Camp Crame, is expected to attend the hearing after the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 159 granted the Senate committee's request for him and his five co-accused to appear in the legislative investigation.

Quiboloy is charged with qualified human trafficking, a non-bailable offense, before the Pasig court. He is also facing charges of child abuse and sexual abuse before a Quezon City court.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin on Wednesday, state weather bureau PAGASA said Kristine was last spotted 180 kilometers north northeast of Virac, Catanduanes packing maximum sustained winds of 85 km per hour and gustiness of up to 105 kph. The storm was moving west northwestward at 25 kph.

Metro Manila is among the areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, according to PAGASA —KBK, GMA Integrated News