President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate suspension of all State of the Nation Address (SONA)–related preparations following reports that government workers were putting up materials in public areas while many communities continue to grapple with heavy flooding.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, President Marcos expressed dismay over the situation, emphasizing that all government efforts must now be directed toward flood response and relief operations.
“Let me be clear: all SONA-related preparations are hereby ordered immediately suspended,” the Executive Secretary said.
“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.
Even while on an official visit to the United States, President Marcos directed all government agencies to be fully mobilized in responding to the widespread flooding brought about by the enhanced southwest monsoon.
President Marcos underscored that the safety and welfare of Filipinos—particularly those affected by the ongoing crisis—must be prioritized over ceremonial events.
“All government agencies are expected to act accordingly and with urgency,” Bersamin said, reinforcing the President’s directive to ensure that no effort is spared in addressing the impact of the floods.
Malacañang has also issued recent advisories reflecting the severity of the weather situation: as of Tuesday, July 22, both government work and classes at all levels have been suspended in Metro Manila and 10 provinces—Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Batangas, Zambales, Bataan, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Occidental Mindoro—due to continuous heavy rains from habagat.
Disruptions in government work and classes at all levels demonstrate the gravity of the flooding situation due to the enhanced southwest monsoon that continues to drench Luzon. | PND