House starts initial preps for Marcos’ 4th Sona in July
The House of Representatives opens its third and final regular session ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address in this file photo taken on July 22, 2024. INQUIRER.net file photo / Gabriel Pabico Lalu
MANILA, Philippines — The country may still be in election season mode, but the House of Representatives has started its preparation for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona).
A statement from the House’ media affairs bureau on Thursday showed that the first inter-agency coordination meeting was hosted by the chamber, with representatives from the Office of the President, the Senate, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Philippine National Police present.
The meeting was held at the South Wing Annex last Wednesday.
“Preparations for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address began Wednesday with the first inter-agency coordination meeting hosted by the House of Representatives,” the House media bureau said.
“HRep Secretary General Reginald S. Velasco requested anew the cooperation of all agencies involved to make the fourth Sona ‘not just perfect but truly memorable’,” it added.
Marcos is scheduled to deliver his fourth Sona by July 28, in accordance with the 1987 Constitution’s requirements for the sitting president to deliver a report by the fourth Monday of July.
The Chief Executive’s third Sona was notable as during his speech, he announced that all Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) are banned due to their social costs and some hubs’ association with criminal activities.
READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’
According to House Sergeant-at-Arms Police Maj. Gen. Napoleon Taas (ret.), 27,000 personnel from security and response agencies will be deployed to secure the House complex and its surrounding areas before and after Marcos delivers his Sona.
“Contingencies are also being refined to ensure that any medical emergency that may arise during the event are quickly and effectively managed,” the House media bureau noted.
“Director General Antonio De Guzman Jr. of the Senate Office of the International Relations and Protocol conveyed the full support of Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. for the ongoing Sona preparations,” it added.
Before Marcos delivers his Sona, both the House and the Senate would also open its session — the first session day of the 20th Congress. Members of the new Congress will be determined after the 2025 midterm elections.
