MANILA (July 23) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed dismay over the installation of SONA-related tarpaulins, calling it “highly inappropriate” as many areas continue to suffer from monsoon rains and flooding.
Speaking from Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, Marcos said he was surprised by the move, which he did not authorize. “It’s already flooded—why put those up?” he said.
The President ordered the immediate halt of all SONA preparations, stressing that the government’s focus should be on helping affected communities.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin earlier confirmed the suspension of SONA activities, as Marcos prepares to deliver his fourth address before Congress on Monday, July 28.
