House spruced up for Monday’s SONA

President Benigno Aquino III. Malacañang Photo Bureau/File

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives is all set for President Benigno Aquino III’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

House secretary general Marilyn Barua-Yap on Thursday said that they were prepared for the opening of the 16th Congress’ first regular session on Monday.

Yap, who heads the task force created by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. for SONA, said that they were just polishing their preparations for Monday.

The House has been busy laying out its preparations for SONA this week, fixing the plenary for the opening of the first regular session and intensifying its security measures.

She told reporters that they had to simulate what would happen once the President steps inside the House of Representatives.

“This is something we do every year–this walk-through for what has to be done for the day,” she said.

From rolling out the red carpet, adjusting to the President’s mode of transport, right down to ensuring that the lounge was ready for VIP guests, Yap said that they were keeping a close watch on every detail.

“Everybody has to be on their toes on the day itself,” she said.

Saying their plans for the event were “smooth,” Yap said that she will be monitoring how the preparations go on Monday and will be in close coordination with Senate Sergeant at Arms Jose Balajadia Jr, House Sergeant at Arms Nicasio Radovan Jr., and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino.

House staff will also be working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Presidential Security Group (PSG), Department of Public Safety and Order, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) and Presidential Protocol Office for the event.

House members are expected to elect their Speaker Monday morning before the President’s SONA.

Yap said she expected Belmonte to be re-elected as Speaker.