Senate, House eye simpler SONA

MANILA, Philippines — Officials from the Senate and House of Representatives have commenced groundwork for President Marcos’ fifth State of the Nation Address in July, with leaders of both chambers pushing for a “simple” SONA amid the energy emergency.

Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza and House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil held a meeting yesterday at the Senate in Pasay to discuss security preparations and the setup for both chambers.

Mendoza said both Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Speaker Faustino Dy III gave strict instructions to keep the event simple.

“Because of what’s happening now, ‘di ba medyo baka magalit ang tao, mag-react. Medyo tame down lang ng konti, ‘yun lang naman,” Mendoza told reporters.

While the removal of the traditional red carpet is still being discussed, Mendoza said lawmakers would be reminded to “dress simply.”

The plenary will have “less decoration” to streamline SONA preparations, he said.

Mendoza also clarified that the initial meeting for the SONA seeks to maximize time before Congress goes on break, not to clear the calendar for the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Mendoza denied that the impeachment case was discussed during his meeting with Garafil.

Asked if his House counterpart gave any word on when the Articles of Impeachment would be transmitted to the Senate, Mendoza replied, “Wala naman.”