President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed dismay over reports of government personnel setting up materials in public areas related to his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SoNA) while the country is experiencing continuous rain and widespread flooding.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin immediately ordered the suspension of all SoNA preparations, stressing that the President’s priority remains the welfare of the public.

“The Department of Public Works and Highways along with all concerned agencies, must put full attention and exclusive focus on flood response and relief operations,” Bersamin said.

“The President’s directive is to focus all efforts on ensuring the safety and welfare of the Filipino people, especially during times of crisis. All government agencies are expected to act accordingly,” he added.

Earlier, DPWH personnel were observed installing tarpaulins for Marcos’ SoNA along Padre Burgos Avenue in Manila. The President is scheduled to deliver his fourth SoNA on 28 July 2025.

Meantime, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) announced its readiness for any eventualities regarding the President’s SoNA as heavy rains and flooding are expected to continue in the coming days.

In a virtual briefing Tuesday, OCD officer-in-charge Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro stated that the decision to proceed with the SoNA rests with the House of Representatives.

“We will depend on the protocol of Congress if they will suspend the SoNA,” Alejandro said. “But we, in NCR, are closely coordinating with the Philippine National Police to ensure an orderly conduct of the flow of those who will attend the SoNA.”

Lawmakers, guests and foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the SoNA and the OCD is also preparing areas near the House of Representatives in anticipation of potential bad weather.

“In the event that — or there is a suspension of work or classes, our emergency responders will still be on standby in case assistance is needed during the SoNA,” Alejandro said.