Former President Rodrigo Duterte has reportedly confirmed that he will attend the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 24.
“Yes, nag-confirm na [si Duterte], pati iyong anak niya, si [Vice President Sara Duterte], nag-confirm rin,” said House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.
It was recently reported that the elder Duterte met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in China.
This Tuesday, Marcos announced that he was aware of Duterte’s visit to China. He hopes that the former president will share what he and Xi discussed that is related to the interests of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Velasco could not yet say if the Duterte father and mother will sit next to each other in the VIP gallery.
“Kailangan kasi may clearance sa dalawa. Mapapansin niyo, ngayon kini-clear kasi namin sa mga VIP kung okay sa ‘yo na katabi mo ito, ganyan. As much as possible we want them to be comfortable,” explained Velasco.
“Sometimes, we have to adjust. For some reason, gusto nila kasama iyong asawa nila, o iyong caregiver sa likod. We have accommodated all these types of requests. I have attended many SONA, I know the sentiments of all types of guests,” he added.
Velasco previously said that the VIP gallery is reserved for former Presidents and Vice Presidents, former First Ladies, even former Senate Presidents and ex-Speakers, members of the diplomatic corps, guests of the First Family, Senate President and Speaker.
Ex-Pres. Duterte to attend SONA 2023
The former president, former speaker and now Pampanga Representative, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, said she preferred a seat in the VIP section in Marcos’ SONA.
As a member of the House and deputy speaker, Arroyo can also sit in the plenary.
“But we were told that she preferred to be seated at the center,” said Velasco.
Arroyo confirmed that she wanted the VIP section when asked by reporters.
“Yes, as I do every SONA,” said the former president.
In this regard, Velasco also said guests with comorbidities and the elderly will have a special room.
“We can accommodate more guests if need be, and there is one function room for types of guests who have medical conditions and seniors, meaning those aged 65, 70 above,” said the leader of the Chamber.
“We have a lot of guests who already informed us they are in favor of such setup since it is convenient. They will also have simple merienda, coffee and water,” he added.
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