By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following Vice President Sara Duterte’s intriguing “Designated Survivor” remark and the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, the House of Representatives is not taking any chances.
They implemented the highest level of security measures for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22.
“We are 99.9% ready. All preparations are going well. We’re just beautifying our grounds for SONA day,” Atty. Grace Andres, deputy secretary-general of the House of Representatives, said on Wednesday in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo.
She firmly denied claims that the House of Representatives is spending P20 million on catering for SONA day, stating that the entire SONA budget for 2-3 months of preparation is significantly less than that.
On July 9, House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” S. Velasco informed reporters that security measures are being intensified, emphasizing that they “expect the worst but hope for the best.”
Congressmen and senators are anticipating a full house during the 3rd SONA, with 2,000 guests already registered for the event.
(el Amigo/mnm)
