2022 State of the Nation Address (Philippines)

The 2022 State of the Nation Address was the first State of the Nation Address that was delivered by President Bongbong Marcos on July 25, 2022, at the Batasang Pambansa Complex.[1][2]

First State of the Nation Address
of President Bongbong Marcos
President Bongbong Marcos delivering his first State of the Nation Address on July 25, 2022.
DateJuly 25, 2022 (2022-07-25)
Duration1 hour and 14 minutes
VenueSession Hall, Batasang Pambansa Complex
ParticipantsBongbong Marcos
Migz Zubiri
Martin Romualdez
LanguagesEnglish, Filipino
Previous2021 State of the Nation Address
Next2023 State of the Nation Address

Preparations edit

On May 31, 2022, Marcos met with several members of the Congress of the Philippines to discuss his upcoming first State of the Nation Address.[3] The Presidential Security Group hosted an inter-agency meeting on July 11 to discuss the security preparations for the upcoming SONA.[4][5] SONA attendees were required to undergo a RT-PCR and a rapid antigen test. Other health precautions were also implemented, including the mandatory wearing of face masks and face shields for those entering the session hall.[6] 21,853 security personnel were deployed to the Batasang Pambansa. The Philippine National Police imposed a gun ban in Metro Manila from July 22 to 27.[7]

Seating and guests edit

On July 4, 2022, House of Representatives Secretary-General Mark Llandro Mendoza announced that it was expected that 315 members and 24 senators would attend the event, a total of 339 people. Mendoza also announced that the number of media to be allowed into the Batasang Pambansa would be limited.[8] Former presidents Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo confirmed attendance to the SONA, however Arroyo tested positive for COVID. She instead attended the SONA online. Vice President Sara Duterte attended the event in person.[9]

Address content and delivery edit

President Bongbong Marcos reported on the outcome of programs and policies that were promulgated under his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.[10]

Before he started his speech, the singing of Lupang Hinirang, the national anthem which was led by the Samiweng Singers, a choral group based from his home province, Ilocos Norte. It was followed by the ecumenical prayer led to the audience by the representatives of various religious groups. Marcos started his speech at 4:05pm and ended at 5:19pm. He was joined by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and his first cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez.[11]

Gallery edit

References edit

  1. ^ Pinlac, Beatrice (2022-07-16). "Over 21,000 security personnel to be deployed for Bongbong Marcos' first Sona". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  2. ^ "What you need to know about Ferdinand Marcos Jr's first SONA". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  3. ^ "Marcos discusses upcoming SONA, legislative agenda with lawmakers". CNN Philippines. May 31, 2022. Archived from the original on July 4, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  4. ^ "PSG keen on keeping Pres Marcos' first SONA safe". PIA. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  5. ^ Mercado, Neil Arwin (2022-07-11). "PSG prepares for Bongbong Marcos' first Sona". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  6. ^ Mercado, Neil Arwin (2020-07-27). "LOOK: Security, health protocols all set at Batasang Pambansa for SONA". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  7. ^ Pinlac, Beatrice (2022-07-14). "PNP to enforce Metro Manila gun ban for Marcos' Sona from July 22 to 27". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  8. ^ "Face-to-face set-up for PBBM's 1st SONA, says House exec". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  9. ^ Peña, Kurt Dela (2022-07-25). "Bongbong Marcos' 1st Sona: Inheriting Duterte problems, plotting solutions". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  10. ^ "State of the nation address (SONA): Constitutional duty or colonial hangover?". Manila Times. July 9, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  11. ^ "Marcos delivers 'data-driven' SONA". Philippine News Agency. July 31, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022.