A fire broke out in the Philippine Senate building on Sunday morning, November 30, amid nationwide rallies against corruption. Senate President Tito Sotto assured that no important documents were affected. The blaze was contained quickly, but water damage reached the main session hall.
The incident occurred at the Legislative Technical Affairs Bureau on the third floor of the Senate building in Manila. According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, the fire started around 6:30 a.m. and was brought under control by 7:43 a.m. Authorities are still investigating the cause.
Senate President Tito Sotto emphasized the safety of key records. “Rest assured that all pertinent Senate documents—including those of the Blue Ribbon Committee—remain intact, safe and completely unaffected by the fire,” he said in a statement.
The fire coincided with protests across the country targeting corruption, particularly the flood control scam under investigation by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. This probe has implicated several figures, including Senators Joel Villanueva, Francis Escudero, and Jinggoy Estrada.
A video shared with media showed water from firefighting efforts leaking into the Senate Hall, the venue for flood control hearings and regular plenary sessions. Sotto noted that maintenance teams would work nonstop to restore the hall. “The Senate’s maintenance team will be working round the clock to dry and restore the Session Hall to ensure it is fully ready for Monday’s session,” he added.
No injuries were reported, and the event has not disrupted ongoing anti-corruption efforts or legislative activities.