MANILA – It is still unsure if President Rodrigo Duterte will be physically present at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City when he delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said it has yet to be settled if President Duterte will personally grace Batasan or will have his SONA broadcasted from Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang.
“The venue is confirmed, it is Batasan. Pero ang alam ko po hindi pa po 100 percent sure kung physically maga-attend ang Presidente or magbo-broadcast po from Malago to Congress,” Roque said in a virtual press conference.
Earlier in the day, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Duterte will deliver his SONA at the Batasang Pambansa but only a maximum of 50 persons will be allowed inside the venue to watch the President’s speech due to health and safety protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The senator said the 50 persons will be divided into delegations from the Executive department, the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“I just received word that the President will deliver his SONA in Batasang Pambansa, House of Representatives on July 27. Preparations are underway,” Sotto said in a statement.
Among the eight senators will attend the SONA were Sotto, Panfilo Lacson, Francis Tolentino, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Christopher “Bong” Go, Sherwin Gatchalian and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri.
Sotto backed the President’s decision to push through with delivering the SONA at the Batasang Pambansa despite the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
“I agree with the President’s decision because the public needs a semblance that our government is up and about, ready to continue with its job. So it is a very good decision,” Sotto said.
The President of the Philippines is required by the Constitution to give an annual report to the nation and disclose policy directions before a joint session of Congress./PN
