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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte to deliver 5th SONA in Batasan

Duterte to deliver 5th SONA in Batasan

Published Jul 16, 2020 01:32 pm

President Duterte will deliver his fifth State-of-the-Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, Senate President Tito Sotto confirmed Thursday.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on July 15, 2020.
(SIMEON CELI JR. / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

"I just received word today that the President has decided to deliver his SONA in the Batasang Pambansa, the House of Representatives, on July 27," Sotto announced during an online briefing with Senate reporters.

Sotto said that preparations have started for the President's annual address.

"As of today, unless something or a different decision is reached later on, the word that was given to me is that the President will deliver his SONA in the Batasang Pambansa," he reiterated, quoting information issued by the Palace to the Senate Secretariat.

Like the previous pronouncements, Sotto said a maximum of 50 persons will only be allowed inside the Batasan complex – 25 will be officials of the Executive department, including security personnel, while the rest would be for members of Congress and some of their staff.

Of the Legislative department's members, eight senators and nine congressmen expressed that they may physically attend, he said.

No other audience will be allowed entry, since the President's SONA will be broadcast live, he said.

The Executive and Legislative departments had earlier looked into two to three options on how the SONA will be held. He said the President was briefed about the considerations for each option.

According to the Senate chief, stringent health protocols will be implemented by the Presidential Security Group during the President's address. All attendees will be required to undergo rapid test upon entry, among others.

Sotto said he supports the President's initial decision.

"I agree with the decision because, we must give the public, the Filipinos, the semblance that your government is up and about and ready to continue with its job (despite the pandemic)," he said.

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