Marcos wants 'simple' SONA, says House sec-gen

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. wants his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) to be simple, House Secretary General Mark Leandro Mendoza said Tuesday.

"They have asked us to make it simple so he can prepare the message to the general public," Mendoza told CNN Philippines when asked if the Marcos camp has a request regarding the SONA.

"Ang gusto lang po ng Presidente ang maging simple ang SONA day," he added.

To be held on July 25, Marcos' first SONA will be done face-to-face. Guests, however, are required to present a printed copy of a negative RT-PCR test result taken 48 hours before the event.

At least 1,300 guests are invited for the SONA, and Mendoza said majority of them have confirmed attendance.

Mendoza said there will also be enough space at the Plenary Hall of the Batasang Pambansa Complex to observe social distancing.

Some 21,000 security personnel will be deployed to maintain peace and order during the SONA, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

A gun ban will also be imposed in Metro Manila from July 22 to July 27 for additional security. —KBK, GMA News