Batasan nearly all set for Marcos' fourth SONA
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Preparations, including security measures, are nearly complete at the House of Representatives (Batasang Pambansa), barely a week before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
House spokesperson Princess Abante said in a briefing on Monday that it’s almost all systems go for the House to host the SONA, with concerned agencies ensuring that contingency plans are in place in case weather disruptions take place.
“From the discussions I heard earlier, maybe we are about 90 to 95 percent ready, leaving room for some adjustments," Abante told reporters. “For now, preparations are still ongoing and are not being delayed.”
Marcos’ SONA is set on Monday, 28 July, coinciding with the formal convening of the 20th Congress. Talks of a possible postponement, Abante added, are off the table despite heavy rains brought about by tropical cyclone “Crising” in recent days.
Law enforcement stationed nearby and within the Batasang Pambasa also remain on high alert despite no specific security threats currently being recorded.
“There will always be adjustments on various situations or concerns, but just the same, the security group is all prepared for next week’s SONA… The Philippine National Police and the Presidential Security Council are always prepared for any security threat,” she averred.
Attendance is also expected to match last year’s record-breaking SONA attendance in Philippine history, with more than 1,500 guests comprising top-level government officials, including former leaders, diplomats, members of Congress, and the judiciary, among others.
Vice President Sara Duterte had already confirmed skipping — for the second year in a row — Marcos’ fourth SONA, though the House said it will not rule out the possibility of her attending. A designated seat at the VIP gallery and a holding room will still be prepared for the VP and her entourage.
The government earmarked a whopping P20 million last year to cover all expenses for Marcos’ third SONA, including food, security, invitations, and giveaways.
Abante said there’s no official figures have emerged yet for this year’s SONA.
