House of Representatives Secretary General Reginald Velasco on Tuesday said the lower chamber is all set for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22 at the Batasan Complex.
At the same time, Velasco said the government will spend around P20 million for the food of over 2,000 guests at the event.
However, he was quick to say “we cannot reveal [the final figure yet] since caterers also have security concerns.”
According to the Secretary General, the said amount covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. As far as he is concerned, the amount is “not too costly.”
“Our security personnel alone are in the hundreds. The Congress personnel is at 2,000 to 3,000, then the guests are around 2,000. That’s (amount) just about right,” Velasco said.
He said the number of confirmed attendees at over 2,000 is possibly the “highest in history.”
“They really want to hear the President or they want to be involved in the state affairs. Being invited to the SONA is an honor,” Velasco said.
Meanwhile, he said Vice President Sara Duterte is not part of those over 2,000 confirmed guests as of Tuesday.
“We cannot speak for the Vice President. Let her and the office decide if they will attend or not,” Velasco said.
“It’s based on your desire, whether you want it or you don’t. We cannot force anyone. Even the members of the House and the Senate, it depends on them if they want to attend,” he added.
