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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 85 diplomats confirm attendance for SONA 2025

85 diplomats confirm attendance for SONA 2025

Published Jul 22, 2025 09:48 am

At A Glance

  • At least 85 members of the diplomatic corps have confirmed their attendance for President Marcos' fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), which is scheduled to be held at the House of Representatives on July 28.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Facebook)
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Facebook)

At least 85 members of the diplomatic corps have confirmed their attendance for President Marcos' fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), which is scheduled to be held at the House of Representatives on July 28.
This was learned during the final inter-agency coordination meeting presided by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco at Batasan Pabansa Complex on Monday, July 1.
Aside from foreign dignitaries, the SONA is expected to be attended by present and past government officials, including all living past Philippine presidents, and certain special guests.
Velasco reported Monday that invitations for the July 28 SONA was already being sent out.
In a press conference later that day, House Spokesperson Princess Abante said that the number of guests for this year's SONA was expected to be the same as last year. Abante also took part in the final coordination meeting.
SONA 2024 drew over 2,000 guests. The House plenary alone, where President Marcos delivered his annual speech, was packed by over 1,800 people.
To accommodate more guests for this year’s SONA, Velasco said there will be viewing halls within the Batasan Pambansa Complex. 
According to House Medical and Dental Service Director Dr. Luis Jose Bautista, a total of 160 medical personnel shall be deployed on SONA day, together with 17 ambulances stationed inside the premises. Some 115 hospital rooms have been reserve in various medical facilities around Metro Manila for any medical emergency that may occur.
Meanwhile, House Engineering and Physical Facilities Department Deputy Secretary General (DSG) Renato Dela Torre detailed the holding room assignments for different key government agency personnel. 
House Legislative Security Bureau (LSB) Executive Director Belinda Bello assured attendees that all necessary security measures are in place. 
Velasco said that the complex shall be on lockdown from July 24 to 27 to give way to final setups and security sweeps.
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