The Batasang Pambansa Complex, where the House of Representatives is situated, is on lockdown starting July 20 as part of security measures for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 24.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco told reporters that a technical rehearsal or a “simulation” of the President’s SONA is also scheduled on Friday, July 21.
Velasco earlier said that guests invited to the SONA only need to present their COVID-19 vaccination card for entry. Those unvaccinated, however, should show a negative RT-PCR test taken 24 hours before the start of the annual event at 4 p.m.
Meanwhile, the live feed, livestream, and video footage of SONA 2023 will be made available through Facebook and Youtube platforms of the Radio Television Malacañang, which is also the one in charge of the SONA production this year.
Velasco earlier facilitated a walkthrough of the President’s route in Batasan with members of the media.
The House official showed the media the area where the President is expected to land, as well as the executive lounge where the Chief Executive, members of the First Family, as well as the Senate President and House Speaker will congregate ahead of the President’s speech.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
