Lower House readies a week ahead of last SONA

The House of Representatives is gearing up a week before President Rodrigo Duterte’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 26, and stricter measures are expected at the Batasang Pambansa due to the Delta variant threat.

House Secretary-General Mark Llandro Mendoza said around 350 individuals will only be allowed to physically attend the SONA using the first and second galleries of the venue. 

“At ang sabi po sa akin ng personal ni Speaker [Allan] Velasco noong Sabado ay kapareho lang po ng numero [ng guests] noong last SONA,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said. 

“Magkakaroon lang siguro ng ilang pagkakaiba. Ang pinag-uusapan ngayon ay saan gagawin ‘yung rapid test at saka antigen test,” Roque added.

The session hall has a capacity of approximately 1,500 individuals, and among the select attendees are senators, house lawmakers, cabinet members, former officials, and other invited guests. 

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has already confirmed her attendance, the secretary-general said. 

Several officials will participate through videoconferencing, including Vice President Robredo. 

“VP Leni received the invitation to attend the SONA last Friday. Similar to the previous year, she was not asked to be physically present, but to join via Zoom. She will therefore be attending remotely,” VP Spokesperson Barry Gutierrez said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has also been preparing for security measures to be implemented in the upcoming SONA.

“Palapit na ng palapit ang SONA ng Pangulo at batid ng PNP ang matinding interes ng ating mga kababayan sa kanyang mensahe, kaya naman patuloy ang aming paghahanda para rito,” PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said. – Report from Daniel Manalastas/AG-rir

Watch full report here:

Popular

PBBM vows sustained recovery efforts in Cebu after deadly quake

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday assured Cebuanos that the government will continue to provide assistance in Cebu as it reels...

PBBM to soldiers: Serve the citizenry, protect the homeland

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet “Panata ito ng katapatan sa tungkulin at paninindigan para sa bayan.” At the oath-taking ceremony of 29 newly promoted generals and flag...

Gov’t assures prompt aid to Cebu quake victims

By Brian Campued Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide immediate relief to families and individuals affected by the magnitude 6.9...

PBBM assures sustained gov’t support to calamity-hit Masbate

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured the public that the government will continue to provide various forms of assistance to...