Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 17) – In-house presidential production group Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) will be in charge of directing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said Monday.
“The RTVM will take care of it. In other words, yung mga beterano nila, sabi nila kayang-kaya nila yan [their veterans, they said they can really do the job],” Velasco told reporters.
This was less than two weeks after the same official confirmed Presidential Adviser for Creative Communications Paul Soriano as the director of Marcos’ second SONA.
READ: Full house likely at SONA with easing of health protocols; Paul Soriano back as director
Soriano directed Marcos’ first SONA last year.
RTVM covers the president’s activities, either for broadcasting or video archiving.
SONA preparations
Velasco also said the House of Representatives’ (HOR) preparations for the SONA is about 95% done, with organizers waiting for the final guest list from the Office of the President, Senate and other key government offices.
“All preparations have been done. Physical arrangements, security. We are confident by Friday everything will be all set,” he added.
The HOR expects around 2,000 guests, including former presidents and members of the diplomatic corps, to attend.
Velasco said former presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who’s also a congresswoman, and Joseph Estrada, have confirmed their attendance.
There’s no word yet on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s attendance.
