House preps for SONA 2025 ‘90% to 95% done' even amid weather
The preparation for the conduct of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28 is almost complete, House of Representatives spokesperson Princess Abante said Monday.
'We are at 90% to 95% done with the preparations for the SONA, and it is still ongoing even amid the inclement weather. The SONA will push through, as we have prepared for, on July 28,' Abante said in a press conference.
Asked if a possible weather-related postponement is on the table, she replied, 'We are yet to talk about any postponement of the physical gathering for the SONA.'
Likewise, Abante said that the House is expecting to welcome around 1,500 guests this year, or similar to last year's number of attendees.
'Last year was one of the most attended SONAs, if not the most attended, with around 1,500 guests. We expect this year to have more or less the same as last year's figures,' Abante said.
Further, Abante said that while the police and the security forces are already all systems go for the SONA next Monday, there is no specific threat that would warrant a heightened alert.
In a separate announcement, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said the House has prepared three viewing rooms in Batasang Pambansa complex for more guests, apart from the plenary hall where the President will deliver his SONA: the Daniel Romualdez Hall for 290 guests; the Ramon Mitra Room for 70; and the Jose de Venecia Hall for 80. — BM, GMA Integrated News
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It is up to Congress what would be the next steps.) 20th Congress Abante said the House of Representatives is ready for the opening of the 20th Congress on Monday, July 28. "Handang handa naman ang House of Representatives sa pagbubukas ng 20th Congress bukas. Despite na nagkaroon tayo ng pag-ulan, naging maaga naman ang paghahanda ng House para masiguro na ready na for any eventuality ang House of Representatives para sa pagbubukas ng 20th Congress at ng SONA," she said. (The House of Representatives is very much ready for the opening of 20th Congress tomorrow. Despite the rains we had, the preparations done by the House were made early to ensure it is ready for any eventuality.) "Wala pong red carpet bukas. Ang gusto nating bigyan ng mas pansin ay 'yung magiging ulat ng ating Pangulo, hindi lang 'yung mga kasuotan ng mga bisita natin bukas," Abante said. (There is no red carpet tomorrow. We want to put more focus on the President's report, not just the outfits of our visitors tomorrow.) —KG, GMA Integrated News
