MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will undergo COVID-19 testing ahead of his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, Malacañang said Thursday
According to Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, government officials attending the SONA, as well as ground personnel at Batasang Pambansa, will also undergo COVID-19 testing.
“Ang alam ko lang po lahat ng papasok sa loob ng Batasan will be subjected to PCR testing on Sunday, the night before. At lahat po ng mga nasa grounds ng Batasan will be administered also rapid tests,” Roque said in a televised press briefing.
Duterte will deliver his penultimate SONA before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, only 50 people would be allowed inside the plenary hall to listen to Duterte deliver his SONA.
Roque, meanwhile, noted that only 15 Cabinet members will be allowed inside the plenary.
“I will be counted as one of the 15 Cabinet members,” he said.
As to the content of Duterte’s 5th SONA, Roque reiterated that the President will unveil the government’s COVID-19 recovery roadmap.
Asked if members of the First Family will attend the event, Roque said: “I’m not sure yet, nakalimutan kong tanungin ‘yan. I would understand if siguro hindi makakarating.”