Pro-Duterte groups expected to hold rallies during SONA —House exec

Aside from opposition groups, supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte are likewise expected to hold demonstrations during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa Complex on Monday, House Secretary General Atty. Cesar Pareja said.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview on Sunday, Pareja said security officials of the House of Representatives are closely coordinating with the police and the military to prevent the two opposing groups from clashing.

"Binabantayan nila dahil ang mga magra-rally, hindi lang naman ang kontra sa presidente, meron ding mga darating na pro," he said.

"Kaya kailangan nilang i-maintain yung seguridad na hindi maghalo. Baka magpang-abot naman yun," he added.

The Batasang Pambansa Complex has been on lockdown since Friday to ensure maximum security in the area three days before the President's SONA.

Only those who work and have official business at the House of Representatives will be allowed to enter the premises.

"Nagdadatingan nga ngayon yung ibang mga allowed pati yung mga sa production crew ng Malacanang, nag-aayos at nakiki-coordinate sa amin at yung ibang mga magsisilbi ng pagkain bukas," Pareja said.

Pareja said the House of Representatives is all set for the SONA, with only a few cleaning up left to do due to the continuous rains in the past few days.

Before the SONA itself, lawmakers will meet in their respective chambers in the morning to open the Third Regular Session of the 17th Congress.

During their morning session, lawmakers from both houses are expected to ratify the proposed Organic Law for the Bangsamoro in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which the bicameral conference committee has approved last Wednesday.

Duterte is likewise expected to sign this into law during his SONA.

At the same time, Pareja said the President is also expected to present the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2019 in his SONA.

Because of this, Pareja believes that the House budget deliberations, which will happen after the SONA, will be smooth.

"Gaya ng ginawa last time na pagkatapos na pagkatapos ng SONA, nasa amin na agad yung NEP at kinabukasan din, nai-refer na namin sa Committee on Appropriations para maumpisahan na agad ang budget hearings," he said. —Erwin Colcol/LBG, GMA News