The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is an annual speech outlining the country’s current state. On July 22, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will deliver his yearly address.
This annual national address follows Article VII, Section 23 of the Philippine Constitution. During this time, the country’s chief executive must inform citizens and members of Congress about the current economic, political, and social status.
After President Bongbong Marcos delivers his speech, the Philippine Congress will resume its session and perform its regular duties. The President is scheduled to arrive at the Batasang Pambansa by helicopter at four in the afternoon.
Moreover, a nationwide gun ban will be in effect for this year’s State of the Nation Address. The Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) Secretariat announced that all firearm permits will be suspended from 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM on July 22.
In addition to this ban, twenty-two thousand personnel are scheduled to serve as additional security during the national event. PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil stated, “And nakikita po natin last time po mga 22,000 na-deploy, ganun pa rin po. Unless we see may mga threarts po, there will be more.”
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However, an online citizen has expressed concern about increasing security for the event in light of recent incidents at US Presidential Trump’s campaign rally.
On the other hand, Filipinos expressed concern over the twenty-million Philippine peso budget for the event. The current President had once promised during the previous election. He said that if elected, the price of a kilogram of rice would return to twenty Philippine pesos.
In fact, the Kabataan party-list has criticized the budget as insensitive, pointing out that it equals over four hundred thousand kilograms of rice. Additionally, they noted that the funds far exceed the budget for school-based feeding programs in ten regions of the country.
The party-list’s Executive Vice President, Renee Co, shared, “This is so insensitive to the everyday struggles of Filipinos that is the main agenda of the SONA. This isn’t the the MET gala. This is the Marcos brand of vlogger governance: dazzle your audience to hide the real, rotten state of the nation.” She further adds, “Let’s touch some grass. If they want to make history with the ‘biggest SONA’ then allow the people to enter the Batasang Pambansa. Let the protesters come nearer the gilded halls of Congress so the people’s calls and grievances can be heard and addressed.”
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This year’s State of the Nation Address budget addresses various aspects, including personnel, meetings, decorations, and more. Additionally, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco announced that attire featuring derogatory words or political messages is prohibited and will result in detention.
Velasco shares, “Because this is SONA. It’s not a day of protest; if you want to, some areas are reserved for your protest or demonstration. This is not the place or time to express anything.”
Sources: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5)
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