President Marcos was dismayed over reports that government personnel are putting up State of the Nation Address (SONA)-related materials amid the massive flooding.
Stranded passengers find a way to get to their destinations amid the massive flooding in Cainta, Rizal through a free ride provided by the local government on July 22, 2025. (John Louie Abrina)
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin bared this on Tuesday, July 22, saying this prompted Marcos to order government agencies to stop installing SONA materials.
Bersamin said the President wants government agencies to focus on response efforts amid the continuous rains and flooding caused by "habagat" or southwest monsoon.
"The President is dismayed by reports that government personnel are putting up SONA-related materials in public areas while many communities are battling heavy flooding," Bersamin said in a statement.
"Let me be clear: all SONA-related preparations are hereby ordered immediately suspended," Bersamin added.
The executive secretary reminded the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and all concerned agencies that they must "put full attention and exclusive focus on flood response and relief operations."
"The President's directive is to focus all efforts on ensuring the safety and welfare of the Filipino people, especially during times of crisis," Bersamin stressed.
"All government agencies are expected to act accordingly," he added.
Marcos made a late-night message on Monday, assuring the public that concerned agencies have been instructed to promptly respond to impacts caused by the continuous rains in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, particularly flooding.