Gamboa to SONA protesters: Do it online

A week before President Rodrigo Duterte's 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA), Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa urged those who plan to conduct protest actions to do it online. 

Gamboa said the public should take into consideration the threat brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected over 67,000 individuals in the country. 

"Doon naman sa may mga planong mag-protesta again lalo na dito sa SONA, nakikiusap lang kami na kung puwede just do it online because these are not ordinary times," Gamboa said at a virtual press briefing on Monday. 

"Nakita niyo naman in the past SONA na inallow naman natin 'yung protest but now we have a specific situation which is itong pandemic," Gamboa added. 

The PNP chief is hoping that the public would cooperate in his call. 

"It's not only for our own good but also for you and for others lalo na dito sa prohibitions ng mass gatherings," Gamboa said. 

Earlier, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Duterte would deliver his SONA at the Batasang Pambansa on July 27. He said 50 individuals would only be allowed at the venue.

Duterte's spokesman, Harry Roque, however said he could not confirm yet whether Duterte will be physically present at the Batasang Pambansa. —KG, GMA News