House to ensure Marcos SONA safe, smooth

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is leaving “no stone unturned” to make sure that the first State of the Nation Adress (SONA) of President Marcos on July 25 will be safe and smooth, an official said yesterday.

According to House sergeant-at-arms Rodelio Jocson, Congress has been conducting inter-agency meetings to discuss security preparations and contingency plans.

“We discussed everything that should be ironed out so that when the SONA comes, it will be smooth,” Jocson said, adding that all preparations should be finalized by Saturday.

Speaking at yesterday’s weekly media forum “Kapihan sa Manila Bay,” Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said lawmakers are allowed to have one guest and four office staff, including the driver.

On what to expect on the big day, Salceda said, “It will be a spartan surrounding. But definitely, I think the sounds and the viewers will be vigorous basically.”

As a precautionary measure against COVID-19, the attendees will be required to undergo health screening protocols, including a negative swab test result.

Jocson said authorities would enforce a “no fly” zone in the area and telephone signals would be jammed during the SONA.

House engineering and physical facilities bureau executive director Renato dela Torre said they made renovations at the Batasang Pambansa complex.

These include the installation of an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation system at the plenary hall for added protection during the face-to-face SONA.

PSG: No SONA security threat

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) has not monitored any security threat that may disrupt the SONA.

PSG commander Col. Ramon Zagala said security preparations are in the final stage.

Zagala said there would be enough government forces to secure the event, the first in-person, 100 percent capacity SONA since the pandemic struck.

The last two SONAs of former president Rodrigo Duterte were conducted in a hybrid setup, wherein some lawmakers attended virtually to comply with COVID protocols.

For Marcos’ SONA, all 315 House members and 24 senators are expected to be physically present at the Batasang Pambansa.

Violent protesters face arrest

Police said they would not hesitate to disperse and arrest members of cause-oriented groups who will sow violence and attempt to march along Commonwealth Avenue and IBP Road during the SONA.

Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Operations chief, reminded militant groups to limit their rallies to designated freedom parks.

“If they go out of the freedom parks and disturb traffic and peace and order, we will disperse them at all costs,” Valeriano said.

The PNP has designated the Quezon City Memorial Circle, the compound of the Commission on Human Rights and University of the Philippines Diliman campus grounds as freedom parks. – Alexis Romero, Emmanuel Tupas