The Philippine government is taking steps to ensure a peaceful and smooth State of the Nation Address (SONA) for President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on July 27. Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto has ordered security agencies to coordinate their efforts to guarantee a successful event.
During a meeting of the government's security cluster on Tuesday, Mr. Recto emphasized the importance of a coordinated response to any situation that may arise. He instructed the Philippine National Police and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to work together on security, traffic, and crowd management plans.
The annual address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City serves as the President's report to Congress on the administration's accomplishments and legislative priorities. The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has deployed 21,261 policemen, with an additional 3,000 on standby from neighboring regions.
The NCRPO has assured the public that security operations will be guided by the rule of law, respect for constitutional rights, and the highest standards of professionalism. Activist groups, including Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, plan to hold protests along Commonwealth Avenue during the SONA.
Mr. Recto has ordered law enforcement agencies to respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly while maintaining public order. Authorities will also enforce a no-fly zone and no-drone zone over designated areas and implement a nationwide suspension of permits to carry firearms on the day of the SONA.
Police will temporarily close roads and reroute traffic around the Batasang Pambansa Complex to ease expected congestion. The government is taking every precaution to ensure a peaceful and successful SONA.
