By Vanne Elaine Terrazola

The Senate will resume work on Wednesday, April 24, after it was found “safe” following the earthquake that hit Luzon on Monday.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph G. Recto
(Ali Vicoy / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said employees could return for work after an assessment by a representative of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on the Senate building in Pasay City Tuesday morning.

“Senate building is safe. All employees are allowed to work tom. FYI. There will be work at the Senate tomorrow,” Recto said in a text message sent to reporters Tuesday night.

On Monday, Recto advised Senate employees to go home early after the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that rocked Zambales, Pampanga, Metro Manila, and other provinces.

The Senate building was shut. “Cracks” were reportedly seen in the Senate building following the ground shaking, Recto said.

But DPWH representatives on Tuesday inspected the building. They were accompanied by security officers of the Senate.

Before this, engineers from the GSIS were also reported to have checked the condition of the Senate building.

Recto acts as the Senate’s officer in charge while Senate President Vicente Sotto is abroad.