THE House of Representatives’ weeks of preparations for President Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22 is complete, Speaker Martin Romualdez said yesterday.
Romualdez made the announcement after a final interagency meeting among the Office of the President, both houses of Congress, and other agencies was held last Monday.
Romualdez noted that while the SONA “will largely reflect on the successes of the Marcos administration, it will also outline the President’s plans for the coming years, including the role of Congress in bringing government programs to fruition for the Filipino people.”
“This important address will provide a comprehensive overview of the administration’s progress and set the stage for future legislative initiatives that will shape the nation’s path forward,” the Speaker said. “And we, at the House of Representatives, are united with the President in his desire to advance the many reforms and programs he will announce during the SONA. This is a time for unity, and we fully support our President.”
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco also declared the House’s readiness to receive the President, senators led by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Cabinet members, and other esteemed guests and dignitaries.
“I’m happy to report that the House of Representatives is ready, willing, and able to welcome all the guests to this third SONA of the President,” Velasco said.
He said the preparations include traffic rerouting plans and timely distribution of official SONA invitations to former leaders, government officials, major stakeholders, and other important guests, including members of the diplomatic community.
House Sergeant-at-Arms retired Police Maj. Gen. Napoleon Taas said detailed security arrangements have been made to ensure a peaceful and orderly event, involving multiple security agencies.
A walk-through of the route that the President will take on Monday was also undertaken with Velasco, Taas, and House Deputy Secretary General Grace Andres leading the party.
