More attendees may be allowed at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City compared to last year for President Rodrigo Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address on July 26, an official of the House of Representatives said on Tuesday.
House Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza said 150 to 200 participants may be allowed to physically attend the event.
“Perhaps around 150 to 200 may be allowed to enter the plenary this year although this will still depend on the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Malacañang. So far, that is our projection,” Mendoza said.
Attendees would still undergo rapid testing and RT-PCR tests, and will be required to follow social distancing protocols.
Mendoza said they are looking into a rule requiring SONA attendees to be fully vaccinated to be allowed at the venue.
“By that time, most of them would have been fully vaccinated. We’re hoping that those attending and entering the plenary are already fully vaccinated,” he said.
Only government media, he said, would be allowed to cover Duterte’s SONA at the Batasan complex, while private media would join remotely.
The presidential family, members of Congress and their spouses, former presidents, foreign diplomats, government officials, and other dignitaries are usually invited to grace the annual SONA.
Last week, Presidential Security Group commander Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III assured the “smooth and safe” conduct of Duterte’s last SONA.
“This will be the last SONA of the President, so we will ensure and assure the Filipino people that it will go smoothly and safely as with the past addresses of the President,” Durante said.
He said ocular and site inspections within the Batasang Pambansa Complex have been conducted.