Government agencies are preparing contingency measures to ensure the smooth conduct of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) amid the possibility of inclement weather, officials said Monday.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro said the agency is in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other stakeholders to manage the orderly flow of attendees and maintain safety around the Batasang Pambansa complex on SONA day.
“Preparations are ongoing in areas surrounding Congress to address any weather-related disruptions,” Alejandro said during a pre-SONA briefing hosted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
He noted that while decisions regarding the possible suspension of the event rest with Congress, emergency responders will remain on standby to provide immediate assistance if needed.
Alejandro also said that in case work or class suspensions are declared due to bad weather, emergency operations will proceed as planned to support any critical response requirements.
Earlier, President Marcos ordered immediate suspension of all preparations for his SONA, citing reports that government personnel were installing SONA-related materials in public areas while many communities remain inundated due to heavy flooding.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued a statement expressing the President’s dismay over the situation and directed all concerned agencies to shift their full attention to flood response and relief operations.
“All SONA-related preparations are hereby ordered immediately suspended,” Bersamin said.
“The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), along with all concerned agencies, must put full attention and exclusive focus on flood response and relief operations,” he added.
Bersamin emphasized that the President’s primary directive is to ensure the safety and welfare of the Filipino people, particularly during times of crisis.
