Latest news with #SONA-related


GMA Network
23-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos: SONA preps amid bad weather an 'unfortunate misjudgment'
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has deemed as an ''unfortunate misjudgment'' the move of the Department of Public Works and Highways to continue the preparations for his fourth State of the Nation Address next week. ''Hindi na nasabi, baha na nga bakit pa kayo maglalagay diyan? Paubaya niyo na muna yan, ayusin niyo muna 'yung ating response sa Crising... that is an unfortunate misjudgement on their part... I trust that it would not happen anymore,'' Marcos told Philippine reporters in Washington D.C. (It was not mentioned, there's flood, why would you still put that up? Focus first on our response with Crising... that is an unfortunate misjudgment on their part... I trust that it would not happen anymore.) The President, who was dismayed by the act, said the action was ''highly inappropriate.'' Earlier, Marcos directed that all SONA-related preparations should be halted, noting that the DPWH and other concerned agencies must focus on flood response and relief operations for those affected by the torrential rains and floods. This as DPWH personnel had installed tarpaulins of the President for his upcoming SONA despite heavy rains and floods across the metro. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News


Filipino Times
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Marcos orders suspension of SONA preparations to focus on flood response
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an immediate halt to all State of the Nation Address (SONA) preparations after reports surfaced of government personnel installing materials in public areas despite severe flooding affecting many communities. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, in a statement Tuesday, said the President expressed dismay over the reports and directed the Department of Public Works and Highways and all concerned agencies to devote full attention to flood response and relief efforts. 'Let me be clear: all SONA-related preparations are hereby ordered immediately suspended,' Bersamin said. Even while on an official visit to the United States, Marcos instructed all agencies to prioritize the safety and welfare of affected Filipinos above ceremonial events. Malacañang has also suspended government work and classes across Metro Manila and 10 provinces due to the enhanced southwest monsoon that continues to cause widespread flooding.

GMA Network
22-07-2025
- Climate
- GMA Network
Marcos orders suspension of all SONA preps
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. is "dismayed" over reports that government personnel are putting up materials for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) in public areas despite communities battling the onslaught of the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. In a statement issued Tuesday, the Office of the Executive Secretary announced that all SONA-related preparations are immediately suspended. Marcos is set to have his fourth SONA next week, July 28. The Department of Public Works and Highways, together with other concerned agencies, must instead focus on flood response and relief operations, according to the OES. The OES said Marcos has directed that all efforts should be focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of the public, adding that all government agencies must act accordingly. The Southwest Monsoon or Habagat continues to bring cloudy skies and torrential rains over most parts of the country, particularly in Luzon area. PAGASA had said Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Occidental Mindoro will have monsoon rains with the possibility that floods or landslides will occur due to moderate to heavy with at times intense rains. The President had instructed concerned government agencies to ensure the safety of the people amid the floods in Metro Manila and several other provinces and to deliver assistance to flood victims quickly. —VAL, GMA Integrated News