Office of Executive Secretary Issues Statement over Marcos Jr. 4th SONA
MARCOS JR – The Office of the Executive Secretary announced the order of the President for the immediate suspension of all SONA-related preparations.
The President is set to deliver his 4th State of the Nation Address before the Congress on July 28 at the Batasang Pambansa in Batasan Hills, Quezon City. It is expected to gather many prominent figures in the Philippine politics aside from the government officials and the Cabinet secretaries of the Chief Executive.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Nicolas Torre III previously confirmed that around 12,000 security personnel are set to be deployed for the 4th SONA of Pres Bongbong Marcos. However, amid the preparations for the upcoming annual event, several areas in the country are battling the wrath of the Southwest Monsoon or the Habagat.
Many areas in the country are submerged in deep flood following days of continuous strong rains. There are also a lot of Filipino families who had to leave their residences for their safety and they are currently staying in evacuation centers.
Based on a report on GMA News, reports that some government personnel continue to put up materials for the upcoming 4th SONA of Pres. Bongbong Marcos dismayed the Chief Executive. He wants all efforts to focus on the ensuring the safety of the people amid the onslaught of the Habagat.
Pres. Bongbong Marcos ordered the immediate suspension of all the preparations related to his 4th SONA. Based on the report, the order of the Chief Executive was relayed through a statement issued by the Office of the Executive Secretary.
According to the office of Executive Sec. Lucas Bersamin, together with the other concerned agencies, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should focus on ensuring the response to flood incidents across the nation as well as relief operations for the victims. It is also stated that the President orders all government agencies to act accordingly.
Previously, ahead of the annual event, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) informed the House Secretary General’s office that Vice Pres. Sara Duterte will not attend. Then, the OVP did not state the reason but the House SecGen’s office maintained that they will still reserve a seat for her if she changes her mind.
Furthermore, the House Secretary General’s office also intend to allot a holding area for Duterte and her staff in case she attends the 4th State of the Nation Address of the President. However, recently, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte confirmed her absence in the upcoming 4th SONA of Marcos Jr. saying that her gathering with the Filipinos in South Korea has been confirmed.
Sen. Bato dela Rosa also claimed that he will also skip the 4th SONA of PBBM. According to him, he does not want to be “plastic”.