Duterte’s duties include listening to SONA - House spokesperson

Metro Manila, Philippines - Vice President Sara Duterte’s duties include listening to the State of the Nation Address (SONA), House spokesperson Princess Abante said on Monday, July 21.

The vice president earlier said that she will skip the SONA amid a rift with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

But Abante said should Duterte change her mind, the House of Representatives - where the SONA will take place - is prepared to welcome her.

“Bilang isang vice president, kasama rin naman sa kanyang tungkulin na makinig sa magiging report ng ating presidente. The House of Representatives is ready to welcome for her to attend and listen to the report of the president,” Abante said in a press briefing.

[Translation: As vice president, it is also her mandate to listen to the president.]

Abante said about 1,500 attendees are expected for the presidential address in the afternoon, similar to last year’s number.

Preparations almost complete

Abante said preparations are at 90 to 95 percent complete, a week before the SONA.

“Leaving room for some adjustments, katulad na mga na tanong kanina whether [like what were asked about] other contingencies but we are very much prepared for the SONA by next week,” Abante said.

She added that preparations were not disrupted despite the rains.

Government officials held a final inter-agency meeting on Monday to discuss updates on the preparations.

Abante said there are no monitored security threats.

House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco said invitations have been sent as the guest list has been finalized.

“We have almost filled up the seats in the plenary hall. We are just waiting for the names to be plotted in the seats,” he said in the meeting.

Even the three designated viewing halls with about 400 seating capacity in total are also nearly filled, he said.

The House will be on lockdown from July 23 to 27, during which, only essential personnel will be permitted to enter.

The Senate and House will open the session of the 20th Congress on Monday morning, prior to the SONA.