TO ensure the safety of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and other officials attending the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the House of Representatives is limiting access to Batasan Complex.

Just recently, Marcos was tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

As an extra precaution, House Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza issued an advisory stating that only extremely essential House employees with SONA 2022 ID cards are required to report for work on June 25 or the SONA day.

House members were also assigned a maximum of four personnel to report for work in which SONA 2022 ID cards would also be issued to them.

Policies like “No Car Pass, No Entry” and “No ID, No Entry” would be strictly implemented inside the Batasan Complex starting at 4 am today.

All House members, senators, congressional spouses, VIP guests, as well as House and Senate Secretariat officials are designated to enter through the South Gate.

Meanwhile, the HRep shuttle buses, vehicles with “drop-off” car passes, employees of the House and Senate, OB vans and generators, fire trucks, ambulances, and military vehicles are all allowed to enter through the North Gate.

For the duration of Marcos’ SONA, both gates would also be shut down starting at 4 p.m. for the duration of the SONA today. Everyone entering the HRep premises would be subjected to the usual security check.

Individuals entering the House of Representatives would be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test on Monday.

Aside from the SONA, Congress will also open its First Regular Session of the 19th Congress.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas