Malacañang on Monday confirmed President Rodrigo Duterte will go to the Batasang Pambansa on July 27 for his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque disclosed President Duterte has a scheduled rehearsal for the event and the preparations are ongoing.
Only 50 lawmakers will be allowed to personally join the occasion. The personal attendance of cabinet members is yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, Roque asked rallyists to conduct their protests online.
“Sila rin naman po iyong pumupula sa gobyerno. Sila iyong nagsasabi na hindi daw gumagawa ng sapat na pamamaraan para mapabagal ang pagkalat ng sakit (They are the ones who criticize the government. They are the ones who say the measures are not enough to slow down transmission).”
Pero tingin ko malinaw, kasing linaw ng sinag ng araw na ang pagtitipun-tipon po ay magreresulta sa mas mabilis na pagkalat ng sakit na ito. Pwede naman pong magprotesta rin online. So sana po magsilbing halimbawa sa lahat, iwasan po muna natin ang pagtipun-tipon (But I think it is clear as day that gatherings will result in faster transmission. They can protest online. I hope this serves as an example for everyone to avoid gatherings),” he added. – Report from Mela Lesmoras