SONA 2025 still a go unless there's a deluge: Remulla

The fourth State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will push through as scheduled next Monday, July 28, unless bad weather necessitates the cancellation of the proceedings, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.

Weather bureau PAGASA is monitoring three weather systems - severe tropical storm Emong, tropical storm Dante and the southwest monsoon - which have displaced thousands of Filipinos since the weekend.

PAGASA said Wind Signal No. 4 may be hoisted during Emong’s onslaught.

Remulla said he has advised President Marcos to push through with the SONA despite the bad weather but noted it is still the President’s call.

“Hanggang hindi Signal no. 3 na delubyo talaga ‘yan, itutuloy ‘yan. He has to show that life in the country is continuing kahit anong nangyayari. Kami naman we will do our part pagdating sa rescue and recovery…My recommendation is we have to show firmness, that the government is strong and able to withstand all of this,” he said.

Malacanang on Tuesday ordered the suspension of all preparations for the fourth SONA set next week as the country grappled with severe flooding due to weather disturbances.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Marcos,  who was in the US for a working trip, was "dismayed" that government personnel were reportedly "putting up SONA-related materials in public areas while many communities are battling heavy flooding.”

The Office of Civil Defense earlier said measures were in place to ensure the orderly conduct of the SONA on July 28 despite bad weather. 

SENATE PREPS

Meanwhile, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero inspected the preparations in the Senate for the opening of the 20th Congress on July 28.

In a video posted on his Instagram account, Escudero could be seen on Wednesday checking the lobby, committee rooms, hallway, and legacy hall. He also inspected some wirings, pipes, and drainage.

“Sa kabila ng panahon, umikot tayo sa buong Senado—hindi lamang sa gusali kundi pati sa mga pasilidad sa loob ng compound,” Escudero wrote on his Instagram. 

“Nais nating matiyak na maayos at handa na ang mga tanggapan para sa pagbubukas ng Ika-20 Kongreso sa darating na Lunes.”

“Mahalaga sa akin na makita mismo ang kalagayan ng mga lugar kung saan tayo nagtatrabaho. Lahat ng kailangang ayusin para sa kaginhawahan at kaligtasan ng lahat ay ating tinutukan. Sa pagbabalik ng sesyon, kailangang masiguro na handa ang institusyon—hindi lamang para sa mga mambabatas, kundi para sa bawat kawani, bisita, at mamamayang nangangailangan ng serbisyo publiko,” he added.

Congress’ session will formally open at 10 a.m. on Monday before Marcos delivers his SONA in the afternoon at the House of Representatives