The Batasang Pambansa was placed on lockdown.
The Batasang Pambansa was placed on lockdown in preparation for President Rodrigo Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address (SONA).
House Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza said in a virtual interview with reporters that preparations for President Duterte’s 6th and final SONA have already been finalized.
“Ngayon ang start ng lockdown sa Congress … so okay naman na tayo, nagse-setup na kanina roon, nakapagsetup naman na para sa Monday so systems go na tayo sa Monday,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza reiterated that at least 300 guests were allowed to physically attend the said event, adding that the number of guests wasn’t reduced despite the threat of the Delta COVID-19 variant.
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According to Mendoza, at least 60 legislators would be allowed to occupy the plenary hall while other lawmakers and guests will stay in the first and second gallery.
Mendoza also said that most deputy speakers and former speakers would physically attend the said event as well as at least 10 senators who already confirmed. Moreover, Mendoza said that around 120 to 130 congressmen will physically attend the President’s SONA.
When asked about the attendance of former presidents, Mendoza mentioned that former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will attend via Zoom while they’re still waiting for the confirmation of former President Joseph Estrada.
Other attendees, according to Mendoza, include Cabinet officials, some group of governors, and other personalities.
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