Batasang Pambansa on lockdown ahead of SONA

The Batasang Pambansa Complex, where the House of Representatives is situated, is on lockdown starting July 20 until July 23 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 said that amid the lockdown, a technical rehearsal will be conducted on July 21.

"The idea there is to reinspect everything. Not just the security, but all the equipment, all the personnel. There's also simulation exercises, Velasco said.

"We will be here until Sunday to ensure everything will be alright for the SONA. There will be smaller groups that can meet to address specific concerns. By Monday, the place and the personnel will be perfect," he added.

Velasco identified House sergeant-at-arms, Police Major General Napoleon Taas, as the contact person for security matters and issues, while arrangements and other concerns may be referred to deputy secretary general Grace Andres of the Inter-Parliamentary and Public Affairs Department.

He said that aside from the SONA, the workforce of the House of Representatives is also preparing for the opening of the Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress at 10 a.m. on July 24.

"As early as 5 am, lockdown will be lifted so the personnel and essential staff can enter ahead of the opening of the session," Velasco said.

Additional preparations include the testing of equipment and sound system, guest route inspections, cleaning and sanitation procedures and other last-minute adjustments.

Broadcast media organizations will be permitted to test the Radio Television Malacañang's (RTVM) signal reception on Sunday, July 23, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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