Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced that Senate operations will conclude early at 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 9, in anticipation of expected road closures and traffic rerouting in Metro Manila for the ‘Traslacion’—an annual religious event honoring the Black Nazarene.
The ‘Traslacion’ draws millions of devotees, with this year’s procession anticipated to attract around six million participants.
Despite the shortened work hours, committee hearings and technical meetings in the Senate will proceed as scheduled.
Staff assigned to these meetings will continue to provide necessary support until further notice from their respective chairpersons.
“The Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms and Maintenance and General Services Bureau personnel who follow shifting schedule are not included in the shortened work hours,” the advisory noted.
Road closures will begin at 9 PM on January 8 and will remain in effect until the event concludes on January 9.
To ensure public safety, the Manila Police District will deploy over 12,000 personnel along the procession route.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines will also enforce a no-sail and no-fly zone during the festivities.
