Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. will proceed as scheduled on Monday, July 28, at the Batasang Pambansa, despite the expected continuation of monsoon rains.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier reported that heavy rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) may persist through Monday.
In an interview, Secretary Remulla clarified that unless weather conditions escalate to Signal No. 3, or if an Orange or Red Rainfall Warning is issued—what he referred to as a “delubyo”—the President will still deliver his SONA.
“Hanggang hindi Signal No. 3 na delubyo talaga yan, itutuloy yan… Kami naman, we will do our part pagdating sa rescue and recovery,” Remulla said.
He added that the administration is determined to show resilience in the face of challenging conditions.
“We have to show firmness that the government is strong and able to withstand all this,” he asserted.
Preparations for rescue and emergency response are already in place, according to the DILG.