PSG ensures ‘smooth, safe’ conduct of Duterte’s last SONA

MANILA – The Presidential Security Group (PSG) guaranteed on Friday the “smooth and safe” conduct of President Rodrigo Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 26 at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

“This will be the last SONA of the President, so we will ensure and assure the Filipino people that it will go smoothly and safely as with the past state of the nation addresses of the President,” PSG commander Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III said in an interview with state-run PTV-4.

Durante said the PSG is now on its “second” phase of security preparation for Duterte’s last SONA.

He said ocular and site inspections within Batasang Pambansa Complex have already been conducted.

He said there will also be a simulation exercise to ensure Duterte’s safety.

“But of course, with all of these, the PSG emphasized the strict implementation of health and safety protocols in all of the activities,” he said.

Minimal number of attendees

Durante said there will also be a limited number of guests in Batasan, considering that there is still a prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

He, however, did not mention the exact number of guests.

The presidential family, members of Congress and their spouses, former presidents, foreign diplomats, government officials, and other dignitaries are usually invited to grace the annual SONA.

Those who will not be invited can still listen to Duterte’s last SONA through a video conference, Durante said.

“Until now, we are still in the state of pandemic. So, we implemented some measures. Hindi lahat makakadalo (Not everyone will be invited). Some will attend through , and there will be a minimal number of attendees doon po sa (at the) plenary,” Durante said.

SONA attendees, Durante said, will be subjected to strict health and safety protocols.

Last year, attendees to Duterte’s SONA were required to undergo a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) a day before the annual event to make sure that they are free from Covid-19 before being allowed entry to the Batasang Pambansa Complex.

The Philippine President delivers SONA every year to report the state of the country, unveils the government’s agenda for the coming year, and grabs the opportunity to urge Congress to pass priority measures.

Article 7, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution mandates the President to “address the Congress at the opening of its regular session.”