Early Morning Fire Strikes Senate Building
A fire alarm woke the Senate building in Pasay City on the morning of Sunday, November 30, 2025, marking the start of an emergency situation that required immediate response from fire authorities.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) confirmed that the blaze began shortly before 6:30 a.m. and quickly escalated, reaching second alarm status before 7 a.m. the same morning.
Firefighters worked diligently to contain and extinguish the flames, successfully bringing the situation under control. The BFP officially declared the fire out at approximately 8:20 a.m., nearly two hours after it began.
Origin and Impact of the Blaze
Initial investigations revealed that the fire originated in the commercial area located on the third floor of the Senate building. The exact cause remains under investigation as authorities continue their assessment of the damaged area.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident, providing relief to Senate officials and employees who were concerned about potential injuries.
In an official statement, Senate President Vicente Sotto III provided crucial reassurance about the safety of important legislative documents. "Rest assured that all pertinent Senate documents - including those of the Blue Ribbon Committee - remain intact, safe, and completely unaffected by the fire," Sotto stated emphatically.
Recovery Efforts and Future Precautions
The Senate leadership has taken immediate steps to address the aftermath of the fire and prevent similar incidents. "The Senate is working closely with the BFP and internal security to ensure the continued safety of the premises and personnel and to prevent similar incidents moving forward," Sotto added in his comprehensive statement.
Recovery operations are already underway, with the Senate's maintenance team preparing for extensive work. "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," Sotto confirmed, indicating the urgency of returning to normal operations.
The quick response and effective coordination between Senate security and fire authorities helped minimize damage and ensure the safety of both people and critical government documents.
