QC gov't suspends classes, implement liquor ban for 2025 SONA

All classes in public and private schools in Quezon City (QC) will be suspended while a liquor ban will be implemented on Monday, July 28, in view of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Under Executive Order (EO) No. 10 series of 2025, Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered the suspension of classes in all levels in QC amid the expected road closures for SONA, which is set to be delivered at the Batasang Pambansa Complex. Belmonte said the road closures will affect both motorists and the riding public.

“Classes shall be suspended in all levels tor both private and public schools in Quezon City in view of the State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. All residents are enjoined to listen to the SONA of the President of the Republic of the Philippines,” the EO dated July 21 reads.

“The Office of the City Mayor, through the Philippine National Police, the City Department of Public Order and Safety, the City Traffic and Transport Department, City Task Force Disiplina, and all other implementing offices, as may be authorized, are hereby tasked to assist in the implementation of this order, and strictly adopt and implement security measures,” it added.

Liquor ban

In an announcement, the local government said the liquor ban would take effect from 12:01 a.m. until 6 p.m.

“...The residents and visitors of Quezon City may be affected by acts of caused by intoxication, which could negatively impact the peace and order of the community and the general public,” according to Executive Order No. 9 issued by Mayor Joy Belmonte.

“The Office of the City Mayor, through the Philippine National Police, the City Department of Public Order and Safety, the City Traffic and Transport Department, City Task Force Disiplina, and all other implementing offices, as may be authorized, are hereby tasked to assist in the implementation of this Order, and penalize violators of the same,” the document further read.

The Philippine National Police earlier said that around 12,000 personnel will be deployed on Monday. 

PNP chief General Nicolas Torre III said Torre said the PNP will deploy an advance team on July 26 while full deployment will take place on July 27 until the early hours of July 28.

Marcos Jr. is expected to deliver his fourth SONA on July 28. Earlier, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco isued a memo for the austere holding of the SONA amid the impact of Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, Emong, and the Southwast Monsoon or Habagat on the country.

"There will be no staged ceremonies, fashion coverage, or photo setups in the red carpet area," read the memo.

"Members are respectfully urged to avoid ostentatious displays and exercise discretion in their wardrobe choices," it added.

The Senate will also not roll out the red carpet for the opening of the 20th Congress, according to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

Several parts of the country are still reeling from the effects of consecutive storms amid days of heavy rains. The reported death toll due to Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, Emong and the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat has increased to 25 as of Friday morning.

State weather bureau PAGASA, in a special outlook, forecast cloudy skies with rains over parts of the country, including Metro Manila on Monday.

A state of calamity has also been declared in 84 cities and municipalities. — BAP, GMA Integrated News