The House of Representatives will be limiting the physical attendance in the session hall starting today, March 22, 2021.
According to the memorandum released by House Secretary General Mark LLandro Mendoza, dated March 20, 2021, only 20 lawmakers are going to be allowed in the plenary hall with twenty personnel at the most performing as secretariat / technical support.
However, House members are encouraged to attend the sessions via videoconferencing.
“In view of the alarming increase in COVID-19 cases, particularly in Metro Manila, and considering the need to attend to unfinished businesses as we enter the last week of sessions prior to Holy Week recess, we wish to advise everyone that effective Monday, 22 March 2021, physical attendance in the plenary hall shall be limited to twenty (20) House members,” the memorandum stated.
House members wishing to attend physically the sessions “shall submit their names to the office of the secretary general” at least a day in advance.
It can be recalled that the Lower House underwent lockdown last week because of the spike in COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila.
House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco maintained this is a “precautionary measure to protect the health and safety of House members and employees”.
This week will be the last week before Congress goes on a Holy Week break. – Daniel Manalastas
