President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed his dismay over reports that government personnel put up materials in public areas related to his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) while the nation grapples with continuous rain and flood.

With this, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin has ordered to suspend these activities immediately.

“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,” he 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, personnel from the DPWH were seen to put up tarpaulins for Marcos’ SONA along Padre Burgos Avenue in Manila.

The President is set to deliver his fourth SONA on 28 July 2025.