President Duterte to deliver 5th SONA at Batasang Pambansa —Sotto

President Rodrigo Duterte will deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa later this month amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Thursday.

“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.

But in a televised press briefing in Malacañang, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque could not confirm whether Duterte will be physically present

“The venue is confirmed, it is Batasan. Pero ang alam ko po hindi pa po 100% sure kung physically maga-attend ang Presidente or magbo-broadcast po from Malago [Clubhouse in Malacañang] to Congress,” he said.

"Hayaan n’yo po 'pag plantsado na, mag-aanunsyo po tayo diyan."

50 persons only

Sotto said that due to the pandemic, only a maximum of 50 persons will be allowed inside the venue to witness the President’s delivery of the SONA.

The 50 people, he said, will be divided into delegations from the Executive department, the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Likewise, all the 50 persons would have to under rapid test for COVID-19 ahead of the day of the SONA to ensure that they are COVID-19 free.

Among the eight senators expected to attend the President’s SONA at the Batasan include: 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 COVID-19 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.

As the Palace announced on Wednesday, Metro Manila will remain under general community quarantine until the end of July due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under it, large public gatherings are prohibited. —KBK/RSJ, GMA News