Three scenarios are being contemplated on for the upcoming fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Duterte on July 27.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said many traditions of the Senate and the House of Representatives will be changed due to the COVID-19 threat. One of the options being considered includes a scheme where only senators and congressmen will enter the Batasang Pambansa. Another possible scenario is the gathering of lawmakers within the Batasang Pambansa while the President stays at Malacañang. The third option is a virtual SONA wherein congressman will stay at the Batasang Pambansa, senators at the Senate, and the President at Malacañang.
“Live in the plenary, but kung sino makaka-attend sa plenary they can. But ang House yata magli-limit. Sa Senate naman pwedeng ‘di maglimit at iilan lang kami (It would be live in the plenary, but those who want to attend can do so. The House may impose a limit. It is possible not to limit (the attendance) at the Senate since there are just a few of us),” Sotto disclosed.
He noted that the safety of the President is being considered, especially since mass gatherings are still prohibited.
Sotto also gave his assessment on PRRD. “On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest performance level, PRRD gets 8.5 from the war of drugs up to the time of COVID-19. President Duterte has strove to uplift the people’s welfare with a firm hand. This is something seldom seen in the executive office,” he added. – Report from Eunice Samonte
