Preparations are underway for the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 25, with Batasang Pambansa complex set to be on lockdown starting Friday, July 22.
House of Representatives Secretary-General Mark Llandro Mendoza said renovations will be completed very soon at the plenary.
“Kaunti na lang, may ini-install na lang kami, minor na lang, mga tables namin nilalagay namin, the rest isini-sweep pa,” he said.
“We’ll just surprise you. Actually, noong canvassing proper halos same na rin, medyo bago siya,” he added. “Rest assured the House is ready for Monday.”
Around 1,300 are expected to physically attend the SONA who are required to present a negative RT-PCR test result amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
Former presidents, vice presidents, diplomatic corps, and other government officials have been given invitations for the event.
Marcos’ supporter Paul Soriano will direct the SONA, and a group from Ilocos might be tapped to sing the national anthem.
Marcos is enjoining the nation to listen to his first SONA where he will lay out his administration’s plans in the coming years. – Report from Daniel Manalastas/AG – gb
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