Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque revealed President Duterte is getting ready for his upcoming SONA as preparations for the event have begun.
“Simula na po iyan at antay-antay na lang po tayo, dahil hindi naman pwede na I will dampen the element of surprise pagdating po ng ating SONA (It has started and we just have to wait, since I cannot dampen the element of surprise for the upcoming SONA),” Roque admitted on Thursday.
In terms of security measures, the Presidential Security Group (PSG) said plans have been laid out for the event whether the address will be conducted personally or online. PSG Commander Jesus Durante III disclosed that all visitors will be required to undergo rapid testing if the President will go to the Batasang Pambansa.
“We are prepared for both, because we have been coordinating directly with the OP-EMC, the Events Management Cluster group, and wherever the venue will be, we would still implement all of our SOPs,” Durante assured.
“But for us, it would be much easier for us kung (if) through video teleconferencing lang, like if the President stays in Malacanang. It would definitely be easier for PSG, but we are prepared for both,” he added.
Meanwhile, some citizens are hoping that President Duterte will address their calls in his SONA on July 27.
“Ang gusto ko sana, na mabigyan ng lahat ng tao na mga nangangailangan sa ibang bansa, na makauwi na, at lahat ng tao na mahihirap sana matugunan ni Presidente, at saka gusto ko peaceful ang ating bansa, walang gulo (I want all Filipinos who are in need abroad to be brought home, the poor to be helped by the President, and I want a peaceful country, no more strife),” Elisa Manate shared.
“Yung ating mga kababayan na ano, mga gustong makauwi, siguro bigyan na lang natin ng pagkakataon (Our fellow citizens who want to go home must be given a chance),” Raffy Sianco added.
– Report from Mela Lesmoras
