“We are ready for the SONA,” House of Representatives Secretary-General Reginald Velasco on Monday assured members of the media after the final meeting of the Inter-Agency Task for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2023 Monday.
It was disclosed during the meeting that the Batasan Complex shall be placed on lockdown beginning Thursday, July 20, 2023.
Health protocols for this year’s SONA will be relaxed, but House Deputy Secretary General (DSG) for Inter-Parliamentary and Public Affairs Department (IPAD) Atty. Grace Andres explained that those who will register a temperature of 37.2 in the morning and 37.8 in the afternoon need to undergo antigen testing. “If they test negative, then they will be allowed entry. Baka lang kasi mainit doon sa lugar nila (which explains their high temperature),” she said.
For his part, House Medical and Dental Service Director Dr. Luis Jose Bautista said that almost everyone has submitted his or her vaccination card already. He said there are no other protocols to be implemented aside from temperature check. Dr. Bautista also assured that they will have medical teams inside and outside the Plenary Hall, as well as within the vicinity of and outside the perimeter of Congress. “(This is) so everybody will be safe and that in case something happens, we will be there,” he said.
DSG Andres also clarified that the SONA and the joint session of Congress shall also be streamed online, “Those who will attend via zoom, they will find in the advisory what they need to do.” She encouraged those who will physically attend the SONA to carry a small purse only to make inspection of of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) detailed at the entry doors smooth.
Sec-gen Velasco was pleased with the meeting, observing that “There is perfect unity and coordination, and we’re happy together. All areas were discussed. There were no debates, united talaga. I don’t know about the previous SONA, but I think this is the first SONA that all agencies are united.”
The expanded inter-agency coordination meeting also included officials of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Quezon City Police Department (QCPD), PSG and Department of Health (DOH). The first inter-agency meeting featured officials from the HREP, Senate, Office of the President and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The attendees to the meeting also simulated the President’s path to the plenary from touchdown at the Batasan Complex on SONA Day.