Presidential security inspects House ahead of SONA 2025
The Presidential Security Command on Wednesday conducted an inspection at the House of Representatives in preparation for the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. next month.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco told reporters that the PSC was joined by the House Legislative Security Bureau, the Philippine National Police, and the Metro Manila Development Authority.
'They're really prepared for any eventuality. They will secure the place, and then there is a common agreement that the rallies will be limited to the areas before sa may [near the] UP area and they cannot come near the Batasan premises,' Velasco said.
'The perimeter will be secured by the joint military and PNP,' he added.
He also disclosed that the House will also offer medical assistance. Several ambulances will be deployed to the House and nearby areas on SONA day. 'And we have also reserved some rooms in the hospitals,' Velasco added.
When asked if security threats have been monitored, Velasco replied, 'Wala naman [None] at this time. It's only the usual demonstrations.'
Velasco said a rally zone will be designated by the Quezon City Police District.
'We're prepared for any eventuality,' he said.
'We hope that this worst case scenario will not happen. We're still praying that it will be as successful as the last year's SONA,' he added.
Marcos will deliver the SONA on July 28, 2025. — BM, GMA Integrated News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
5 hours ago
- GMA Network
Ombudsman directs VP Sara, 9 others to answer confidential funds raps
The Office of the Ombudsman has directed Vice President Sara Duterte and nine others from the Department of Education and Office of the Vice President to respond to the charges filed by the House of Representatives in connection with the alleged misuse of confidential funds. In an order issued on Thursday and furnished to GMA Integrated News, the Ombudsman gave Duterte and the other respondents ten days from receipt of the order to file their counter-affidavits 'together with the affidavit/s of their witness/es, and other supporting documents.' 'Failure to file counter-affidavit within the aforesaid period shall be deemed as a waiver of respondents' right to submit controverting evidence, and the preliminary investigation shall proceed accordingly,' the order said. The Ombudsman said it would not entertain any motion to dismiss or motion for bill of particulars. The order came after the House filed a complaint against Duterte and several others on Monday for plunder, technical malversation, falsification, use of falsified documents, perjury, bribery, corruption of public officers, betrayal of public trust, and culpable violation of the Constitution, a source said. The complaint stemmed from the recommendation of the House Committee on Good Governance and Public Accountability to file charges against Duterte for the alleged misuse of P500 million in confidential funds of the OVP and P112.5 million in confidential funds of DepEd from 2022-2024. Also named respondents were Edward Fajarda, Special Disbursing Officer; Gina Acosta, Special Disbursing Officer; Asst. Secretary Atty. Sunshine Charry Fajarda, Director for Strategic Management Office; retired Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, Undersecretary for Administration; and Annalyn Sevilla, Undersecretary for Finance Service—all from DepEd. Those charged from the OVP were Atty. Zuleika Lopez, Undersecretary and Chief of Staff; Lemuel Ortonio, Asst. Secretary and Asst. Chief of Staff Lt. Col. Dennis Nolasco, Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group; and Col. Raymund Dante Lachia, Commander, Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group, Philippine Army. Duterte's alleged misuse of confidential funds is also one of the issues raised by the House in its impeachment complaint before the Senate. She has denied the allegations. — VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
8 hours ago
- GMA Network
Imee trades barbs with House official amid San Juanico bridge condition
Senator Imee Marcos on Thursday criticized her cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez, for the supposed lapses in maintaining the San Juanico Bridge, which connects the islands of Samar and Leyte. This, as House spokesperson Princess Abante on Wednesday questioned what the senator has done for the 52-year old bridge—a prominent project of her late father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. According to Abante, part of the advocacy of Romualdez, who represents Leyte's 1st district, is to ensure that there are enough funds to support the programs and projects in his constituency. 'Makikita natin na tuloy tuloy naman ang naging budget allocation para sa San Juanico Bridge for its maintenance rehabilitation,' the House spokesperson said. (We could see that the budget allocation for the San Juanico Bridge for its maintenance rehabilitation continued.) 'Siguro si Senator Imee, since she is very much concerned, kailangan din natin tanungin ano naging ambag niya bilang senador na kasama naman sa tungkulin niya ang pag-ayos ng budget ng bansa dun sa pangangalaga ng San Juanico Bridge,' she added. (Since Senator Imee is very much concerned, we also need to ask what she has contributed as a senator whose role includes allocating a budget to preserve the San Juanico Bridge.) Marcos, in return, asked Abante why she is looking for her contributions as a senator, and not directly ask Romualdez who hails from Leyte province. 'Ang San Juanico Bridge ay binuo sa administrasyon ng aking ama na simbolismo ng katatagan at pagtutulay ng kalinga ng pamahalaan papunta sa mga mamamayan. Ngayon, pinagdududahan ang tibay at serbisyo nito, pero ang hinahanapan ng [solusyon] ay ako pa rin,' the presidential sister said. (The San Juanico Bridge was built during my father's administration as a symbol of stability and bridging the aid of the government to the people. Now, its stability is being questioned, but I'm still the one being asked for the solution.) 'Bakit ako na senador ang hinahanapan mo ng aksyon, yang amo mo diyan nakatira, bakit hindi mo tanungin? Lahat kayo sa akin nakatingin—sana ako na lang nag Presidente,' she added. (Why are you asking for solutions from me, when it is your boss who lives there? All of you are looking at me—perhaps I should have been the one who who ran for President.) President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has issued Proclamation No. 920, placing Eastern Visayas under a state of calamity for a year, to give way for the repairs on the bridge. The President said the state of calamity took effect on June 5 and may be lifted earlier or get extended depending on the circumstances. According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the recent assessment raised concerns about San Juanico Bridge's structural integrity. It temporarily prohibited vehicles weighing more than three tons from crossing the 2.16-kilometer bridge. Despite the inspections of the bridge, the senator alleged that Romualdez and the DPWH did not do anything to maintain it. 'P451.4 milyon lamang ang alokasyon para sa rehabilitasyon ng tulay mula taong 2018 hanggang 2025. Ako pa mismo ang nagtanong kung saan linaan ang bilyong pondong nakalagay sa GAA - P4.7 bilyon para sa iba't ibang proyekto sa Maharlika Highway,' Imee Marcos said. (Only P451.4 million was allocated for the rehabilitation of the bridge from 2018 to 2025. I even asked where the billions of funds included under the GAA—P4.7 billion for various projects for the Maharlika Highway— will be allocated.) 'Bilyon ang linustay na pera para sa mga daanan na masayang pinagkakitaan ng kung sinu-sino pero ang mahalagang tulay ni hindi iniinspeksyon at puro pintura lang ang ginawa,' she continued. (Billions of money supposedly for the roads were wasted and used by others, but they won't even put focus on an important bridge.) GMA News Online sought a comment from the House leadership and the DPWH and will update this story once they respond. —RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
8 hours ago
- GMA Network
Honoring Philippine Independence: The deeper meaning behind Vin d'Honneur
In celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence, members of the diplomatic corps, esteemed public officials, Filipino fashion designers, and select guests gathered at the Malacañang Palace for the Vin d'Honneur hosted by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos. Held biannually since 1987, the Vin d'Honneur is an official reception hosted by the President of the Philippines to mark the New Year and Philippine Independence Day. This year's celebration centers on the theme "Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan." which translates to "Freedom. Future. History." The theme melds history, patriotism, and culture as "a tribute to the legacy of Filipino heroes while inspiring hope for a stronger and more united future." The President and the First Lady led the meaningful reception on June 12, warmly welcoming the members of the diplomatic corps, most of whom donned elegant iterations of Terno created by some of the country's distinguished fashion designers. According to the First Lady, it was a "heartwarming" moment to see the diplomats wear Filipino creations at the Vin d'Honneur. "A simple gesture, but one that spoke volumes about appreciation, solidarity, and love for our culture. Nakakataba ng puso. Maraming salamat po," she wrote on Instagram. The beauty of Terno Terno refers to a Filipiniana attire traditionally designed with oversized butterfly sleeves. For Vin d'Honneur, Filipino designers brought their A-game in crafting traditional Terno with a modern twist for the members of the diplomatic corps. Francis Libiran dressed Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu in a striking cerulean blue Terno. Per Libiran, the color choice is an ode to "the vast waters that unite our nations." The designer also added an intricate embroidery of native Australian flora and traditional Filipino patterns as a subtle nod to the friendship between the Philippines and Australia. Speaking to GMA News Online, Ambassador Yu said that "she felt like a true Filipina" while wearing a Libiran creation. "I have enjoyed wearing all kinds of Filipiniana in my three years in the Philippines, and I am always drawn to the iconic butterfly sleeves," she said. "To me, they represent the beauty and strength of empowered women," she added. Libiran also created a beautiful ensemble made of Dupioni silk for Romanian Ambassador Raduta Dana Matache. "The embroidery intertwines Romanian lace-inspired motifs with Filipino baroque elements, symbolizing the blending of heritage and mutual respect," said Libiran. Meanwhile, Lulu Tan-Gan created a silhouette using a mix of silk, abaca, and piña in the moss gray gown for Hungarian Ambassador Titanilla Tóth. The skirt features a sculpted top layer of abaca draped and twisted over a piña apron to create movement, depth, and texture. For a pop of color, Tan-Gan added a handcrafted abaca floral brooch in bright cerise. On the other hand, Dennis Lustico drew inspiration from the personalities of New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Catherine McIntosh and Singaporean Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See for their Terno numbers. For Ambassador McIntosh, Lustico got inspiration from the summer breeze and the vast openness of New Zealand's vista. As for Ambassador See, the designer used different textures and patterns to pay homage to Singapore's multi-racial and rich cultural mix. The Philippines' achievements at the forefront More than the diplomatic formality, the Vin d'Honneur gathering has become synonymous with reflecting and acknowledging the country's progress through the years. In his speech during the Independence Day Vin d'Honneur, Marcos reaffirmed his mission for the Philippines in "building bridges, not walls." "Our engagements with the world are geared towards building peace and cooperation and to foster enduring partnerships," he said. "We forge alliances that are based on mutual respect, reciprocity, and shared goals," he added. Marcos also shared key highlights of the country's progress in terms of the economy and inflation rate. "I am pleased to note that the Philippine economy grew 5.4% in the first quarter of 2025 and is among the fastest in the ASEAN region despite rising global volatilities," he said. "On inflation, I am proud to announce that the inflation rate dropped to 1.3% in May of 2025, which is the lowest since November of 2019." A space for building partnerships and connections The Vin d'Honneur is also a space for fostering meaningful partnerships and connections. It is a chance for diplomats and government officials to reaffirm ties, spark new conversations, and explore opportunities for collaboration. For the Singaporean Ambassador See, Vin d'Honneur was the perfect setting where leaders, diplomats, and friends of the Philippines "come together in a spirit of celebration and dialogue. "An event like this reminds us that the foundation of strong partnerships often lies in shared moments, personal connections, and a deep appreciation of each other's stories," See told GMA News Online. "Diplomacy is not just built in official meetings — it grows in spaces where trust and friendship are nurtured," she added. During the event, Marcos expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the diplomats for their continuous support of the Philippines. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the diplomatic corps for continuously working and supporting the Philippine government on its many economic initiatives and endeavors, especially strengthening our bilateral ties in key areas of mutual interest, including people-to-people linkages as an important foundation for our strong cooperation," the President said. "Over the next six months and throughout the whole of 2026, we look forward to active collaboration with you as we prepare to chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations," he added. A spotlight on Filipino hospitality and cultural grace What makes Vin d'Honneur truly memorable is how it offers firsthand the essence of Filipino hospitality. The curated menus highlighting regional flavors, Filipino music, and craftsmanship all represent the Philippines as a gracious and proud host. Australian Ambassador Yu noted that from the moment the President and the First Lady welcomed her into the event up to the spectacular cultural performances and delicious food, it was "an amazing showcase of the Philippine pride and culture, expressed through warm hospitality and friendship." "The tone and format of the Vin d'Honneur definitely deepened my appreciation of Philippine Independence Day," Yu said. "It also reminded everyone present that the Philippines' hard-fought independence will always be cherished and celebrated." She also commended the President and the First Lady for devoting time to welcoming every ambassador "one by one," which "best exemplifies Filipino hospitality." "Having so many ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps gathered like that, alongside Cabinet Secretaries, Senators, members of Congress, and other senior officials, is very special and naturally fosters the spirit of camaraderie amongst us all," she said. Echoing Ambassador Yu's sentiments, Ambassador See said that Filipino hospitality is "known around the world." "At the Vin d'Honneur, that spirit was on full display. The ambiance was elegant, and conversations flowed easily," See said. Honoring Philippine Independence, strengthening the nation through community Hosting the Vin d'Honneur to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day is part of the government's continued commitment to creating a space where nations unite not in opposition but in solidarity. The presence of diplomats and world leaders symbolizes the collective effort in building one's nation. For Ambassador Yu, the Vin d'Honneur is among the events that allow the diplomatic community to be one with the Philippines in celebrating its independence, "as friends as well as colleagues." "We can take a moment to look back and reflect on the Philippines' hard-fought independence and the value of sovereignty," she said. "But we also look forward to the future the Philippines wants to build and how allies and friends, like Australia, can work in partnership to achieve it," she added. She also said it was her last Vin d'Honneur as an Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, so she savored every moment she had spent with the President and the First Lady. The Vin d'Honneur is just among the gatherings in the country that remind us that the Philippines is not alone in its goals and aspirations. It spotlights the human side of diplomacy, rooted in relationships, trust, and the collective effort to build a better future. Ambassador Yu said that hearing the President speak about the Philippines' commitment to diplomacy and development partnerships reinforced her confidence that Australians are on the right path, working alongside Filipino partners, friends, and neighbors "to create a region that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous." Meanwhile, Ambassador See shared that this year's reception felt especially meaningful coming shortly after the productive official visit of Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to the Philippines in early June. "It affirmed the depth of our bilateral relationship and the warm ties between our peoples," said See. At the end of his speech, the President invited everyone to raise their glasses in a toast "to our enduring friendships and to continuing deepening of ties between our countries and our peoples." This biannual toast tradition at the Vin d'Honneur also served as a tribute to the dedication of workers, educators, healthcare professionals, and Overseas Filipino Workers who continue to uplift the country — a moment of recognition and appreciation for their hard work and contributions to the nation's progress. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
