Duterte to physically deliver SONA at Batasang Pambansa —Palace

President Rodrigo Duterte will be at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on July 27 to deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Malacañang said Monday. 

“I can confirm for the first time that the President will be physically present in Batasan...unless there are supervening events,” Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing. “Naka-schedule po ang rehearsal at patuloy po ang preparasyon.”

The Palace earlier explored the option of an online SONA in which the President will address the nation from the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang. 

Roque said a total of 50 lawmakers will be allowed inside the venue. He could not say how many Cabinet officials will be permitted to attend.

The Palace official also urged critics of the government to conduct online protests as the government has prohibited large gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

Philippine National Police chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Monday also urged those who plan to conduct protest actions to do it online.

As for the content of the President’s speech, Roque said Duterte will likely talk about the pandemic and the government’s efforts to mitigate its impact.

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. —KG/RSJ, GMA News