Preparations in full swing for Marcos’ first SONA

Employees, attendees, and police personnel underwent RT-PCR tests as preparations were in full swing on Saturday for President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 25.

According to Mav Gonzales’ “24 Oras Weekend” report on Saturday, health screening was in place at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, where Marcos will address a joint session of Congress.

“Lahat meron ng instructions kung ano ang dapat gawin at dapat dalhin. Pakiusap ko kung ano yung health protocol, sundin natin. Dito naman hindi ka rin makakapasok kung ‘di ka invited at nasa listahan,” House Sergeant-at-Arms Rodelio Jocson said.

(We have all the instructions on what to do and what to bring. Please follow the health protocols. They cannot enter if they are not invited and on the guest list.)

Malacañang officials and the Presidential Security Group, meanwhile, inspected the venue.

Film director Paul Soriano, who will direct the President's SONA, also visited the area.

Quezon City Police District personnel who will be deployed for the SONA also underwent RT-PCR tests.

Policemen who will test positive for COVID-19 and their close contacts will be isolated.

Asked if there are any security threats in connection with the upcoming event, Jocson said none so far. 

“So far naman ma’am, wala po. At handa naman ang ating kapulisan at kasundaluhan na tumulong upang maidaos nang maayos ang ating SONA sa Lunes," he said.

(So far, ma'am, there is none. The military and police are prepared to assist in ensuring a smooth SONA on Monday.)

The Batasang Pambansa Complex, the site of the House of Representatives, was placed on lockdown as part of the security measures. 

Authorities will also monitor events, including the rallies of Marcos supporters along the IBP Road and progressive groups along Commonwealth Avenue.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) party-list, meanwhile, urged the House of Representatives to withdraw its memorandum prohibiting attire with political messages at Marcos’ first SONA.

ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro said they did not see any violation of parliamentary practice, protocol, and social norms in the wearing of political statements.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte suspended classes in all levels for private and public schools on Monday in light of the President's SONA. —Richa Noriega/VBL, GMA News