MANILA — The red carpet at this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) was a showcase of Filipino weaves and textiles, as influential figures proudly donned traditional and modern Filipino attire.

From elegant Maria Clara-inspired ensembles to hand-loomed fabric from Mindanao, the event celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines through its fashion.

Senator Raffy Tulfo sported a Rajo Laurel barong adorned with key symbols from the Philippine flag, while his spouse, Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo, wore a “terno” dress made from Champagne Gold Silk Lamé by Philippine shells.

Senator Loren Legarda also proudly displayed her Filipino heritage with an elegant Maria Clara-inspired ensemble designed by Puey Quiñones, featuring vintage piña fabric from her collection.

Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta wore an elegant gray Maria Clara-themed attire embellished with red floral prints by Fidel Marquez, symbolizing peace, unity, progress, and good health for the Filipino people.

Cavite 2nd District Rep. Lani Mercado showcased the colors of Mindanao through an “inaul” modern dress made from hand-loomed fabric from Maguindanao.

The attendees’ choice to wear these traditional and contemporary Filipino garments not only brought attention to local craftsmanship but also highlighted their pride in promoting and preserving their culture on such a grand stage.

(el Amigo/mnm)

MANILA — During his third State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. disclosed plans for a four-tranche salary increase for government workers, along with the addition of a medical allowance to their benefits.

The President announced that the government has already set aside funds for these pay hikes and additional benefits in the coming years.

This move comes as a significant development, with the last increase in government workers’ salaries occurring in 2023 under the Salary Standardization Law of 2019.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is currently conducting a study on potential wage adjustments for state employees, targeting completion by June this year.

The DBM is also seeking legislative approval for a PHP70-billion allocation in the 2025 national budget specifically earmarked for government worker salary increases.

(el Amigo/mnm)

MANILA — At his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. responded to increasing concerns by announcing a ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

The industry has faced controversies and illegal activities, prompting the President to take decisive action, citing issues such as financial scamming, money laundering, and human trafficking.

The announcement drew cheers from the crowd as President Marcos Jr. declared an immediate ban on all POGOs and called for their operations to cease by the end of the year.

This move is supported by key figures in the administration’s economic team and has been urged by lawmakers and business groups.

The decision comes after investigations revealed a range of criminal activities associated with POGOs, including human trafficking, abduction, homicide, investment scams, cryptocurrency scams, and more.

The ban aims to put an end to these illicit activities that have plagued online gambling firms in the country.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that number coding will not be suspended on Monday during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes stated that the decision aims to prevent traffic congestion during the SONA.

“We will not suspend the number coding scheme because if we do, more vehicles will be on the roads, worsening traffic,” he said.

“Any additional vehicles will contribute to congestion,” he added.

Earlier, the MMDA released a traffic rerouting plan for SONA on July 22.

President Marcos previously mentioned that he has completed writing his speech for the third SONA and is currently fine-tuning it, a process expected to continue until Sunday.

The President also noted the challenge of addressing all the issues he wants to discuss, which might extend the duration of his speech.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Despite the absence of threats, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is not taking any chances as around 22,000 police personnel will be deployed to secure the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

This developed as the Batasang Pambansa was locked down starting Friday (19 July 2024) as part of the security measures.

“Ang nakikita po natin last time po mga 22,000 na-deploy, ganun pa rin po. Unless we see may mga threats po, there will be more,” PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil said.

“Right now, we don’t see any threats but ang sinasabi ko, go signal ko, of course, you have to see yung inconvenience (but what I am saying is we should look at possible inconveniences),” he stressed.

For her part, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo on Friday (19 July 2024) said they also suggested to the Quezon City government that they allow pro-administration rallies around the Commission on Audit (COA) building area.

The PNP has recommended allowing anti-government protesters only up to Commonwealth Avenue-Tandang Sora Avenue during the SONA on Monday, July 22.

“Ang nire-recommend po natin sa LGU particularly dyan sa Quezon City ay bandang Tandang Sora na lamang po sila para masiguro natin yung mga daan na malapit sa Batasan Complex ay hindi po magkakaroon ng mabigat na daloy ng trapiko,” Fajardo said.

She added: “Ang mga pro-government (groups) naman po ay doon po natin sila ilalagay doon sa bandang COA po para medyo malayo po ang pagitan nila para maiwasan po ang tensyon.”

According to Fajardo, police personnel will ensure protesters stay in their designated areas in case they attempt to get near Batasan Complex.

House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” Velasco said the President earlier instructed to accommodate everyone who wants to attend the SONA.

“There are a lot of people who would like to attend this SONA this July 22nd. And he (Marcos Jr.) said to me, accommodate all of them,’” Velasco said.

He added that more than 2,000 individuals from the government, the private sector, and non-government organizations (NGOs) have signified their desire to attend the SONA.

With the seating capacity of the session hall limited to 2,000, Velasco said the House of Representatives will add seats and open several function rooms to accommodate additional guests.

(el Amigo/mnm)

MANILA – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced on Monday (01 July 2024) that over 22,000 police officers and force multipliers will be deployed to secure President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22.

NCRPO Chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who also serves as Task Force SONA commander, detailed that the deployment will include 17,971 officers from Metro Manila, 1,879 from regional offices including Central Luzon and Calabarzon, and 2,771 personnel from other government agencies.

“We will deploy sub-task groups led by district directors to provide not just security but also medical assistance in coordination with public and private agencies,” Nartatez stated. The five districts under NCRPO are Manila, Quezon City, Northern, Eastern, and Southern.

Preparations include simulations to test the effectiveness of their security measures. Aside from securing the House of Representatives in Batasan, Quezon City, police will also cover malls, churches, and critical infrastructure such as transport terminals, airports, and seaports.

Enhanced security measures will be in place at potential protest sites, including Chino Roces Bridge near Malacañang, the U.S. Embassy in Manila, and the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City.

(el Amigo/mnm)