House of Representatives gearing up for Duterte’s final SONA
SPEAKER LORD ALLAN VELASCO. Photo from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives on Monday launched its pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) campaign by showcasing the various national and local measures implemented by the lawmakers in the lower chamber.
Under the campaign, called as “Sa Lahat ng Pagbabago, Salamat Pangulo! (A Pre-SONA Tribute by the 18th Congress)”, lawmakers, particularly those in the supermajority coalition, were tasked to produce 60- to 90-second videos highlighting the priority programs of district and party-list lawmakers that were implemented since President Duterte assumed office in 2016.
The campaign was officially launched Monday with House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco featuring the lone district of Marinduque which he represents.
“Members of Congress whole-heartedly embraced this project, as they are sincerely thankful to the President in his help with programs that greatly benefited their constituents in their respective districts,” Velasco said in a statement.
Aside from this, Velasco said a multimedia exhibit will be put up in the North and South Wing lobbies of the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City during the SONA on July 26.
A tableau of Duterte’s accomplishments will also be set up at the rear entrance of the Main Building where the Chief Executive will make his way into the plenary to deliver his final SONA, said Velasco.
“We in Congress truly appreciate what President Duterte has done for our country, and all of these accomplishments will be highlighted in these exhibits,” Velasco said.
Velasco said that at the height of the pandemic, Congress was able to pass measures that seek to cushion the socioeconomic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, such as the Bayanihan laws, General Appropriations Act of 2021, and COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act.
House Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza earlier said that both houses of Congress and Malacañang are regularly in touch with each other regarding the arrangements for Duterte’s last SONA.
He said more attendees may be allowed inside Batasang Pambansa compared to last year, where lawmakers allowed inside the venue were limited due to pandemic restrictions.
