Latest news with #StateoftheNationAddress
Filipino Times
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Marcos orders suspension of SONA preparations to focus on flood response
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an immediate halt to all State of the Nation Address (SONA) preparations after reports surfaced of government personnel installing materials in public areas despite severe flooding affecting many communities. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, in a statement Tuesday, said the President expressed dismay over the reports and directed the Department of Public Works and Highways and all concerned agencies to devote full attention to flood response and relief efforts. 'Let me be clear: all SONA-related preparations are hereby ordered immediately suspended,' Bersamin said. Even while on an official visit to the United States, Marcos instructed all agencies to prioritize the safety and welfare of affected Filipinos above ceremonial events. Malacañang has also suspended government work and classes across Metro Manila and 10 provinces due to the enhanced southwest monsoon that continues to cause widespread flooding.
GMA Network
13 hours ago
- Climate
- GMA Network
Marcos orders suspension of all SONA preps
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. is "dismayed" over reports that government personnel are putting up materials for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) in public areas despite communities battling the onslaught of the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. In a statement issued Tuesday, the Office of the Executive Secretary announced that all SONA-related preparations are immediately suspended. Marcos is set to have his fourth SONA next week, July 28. The Department of Public Works and Highways, together with other concerned agencies, must instead focus on flood response and relief operations, according to the OES. The OES said Marcos has directed that all efforts should be focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of the public, adding that all government agencies must act accordingly. The Southwest Monsoon or Habagat continues to bring cloudy skies and torrential rains over most parts of the country, particularly in Luzon area. PAGASA had said Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Occidental Mindoro will have monsoon rains with the possibility that floods or landslides will occur due to moderate to heavy with at times intense rains. The President had instructed concerned government agencies to ensure the safety of the people amid the floods in Metro Manila and several other provinces and to deliver assistance to flood victims quickly. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
VP Sara still expected at SONA, House ready to welcome her if she attends
Vice President Sara Duterte is still expected to attend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address (SONA), according to House spokesperson Princess Abante, despite Duterte's earlier announcement that she would skip the event. Abante emphasized that attending the SONA is part of the vice president's responsibilities. If Duterte changes her mind, the House of Representatives is ready to welcome her to the event, which will be held in the Batasang Pambansa complex. Preparations for the SONA are already 90 to 95 percent complete, according to Abante, with around 1,500 attendees expected—similar to last year. Despite recent rains, she noted that preparations continued smoothly. No security threats have been reported, and all inter-agency coordination meetings have been concluded. The House Secretary-General confirmed that invitations have been sent out and that most seats in the plenary and viewing areas are already taken. The House will go on lockdown from July 23 to 27 to ensure security, allowing only essential personnel to enter. The 20th Congress will also open its regular session in the morning ahead of the SONA.
GMA Network
a day ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
House preps for SONA 2025 ‘90% to 95% done' even amid weather
The giant national flag at the House of Representatives is rehung in the session hall at the Batasan Complex on July 17, 2025, after being washed and ironed ahead of President Ferdinand 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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GMA Network
a day ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Gian Magdangal, Lara Maigue are engaged!
Gian Magdangal and Lara Maigue are engaged! The couple, who began dating in 2021, shared the good news in a joint Instagram post, with Lara flexing her princess-cut diamond ring. "She said yes to a lifetime," Gian wrote. In the comment section, celebrity friends, including Rita Daniela, Carla Abellana, Rocco Nacino, Ria Atayde, and Iya Villania congratulated the happy couple. Gian starred in the musicals "Come Far Away," "Dear Evan Hansen" in Singapore, and "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" under Reportory Philippines. Meanwhile, Lara is a classical opera singer who led the singing of the national anthem during President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address in 2023. — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News
