Congress opens; Marcos set to deliver fourth Sona at 4 p.m., new senators sworn in, no red carpet due to weather

The 20th Congress opened its first regular session on Monday morning with both chambers convening in their respective locations.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) at 4 p.m. today, following the Senate's formal opening hours earlier.

Senate President Francis Escudero formally opened the session by pounding the gavel shortly past 10 a.m., with all 23 other senators present.

The Senate also read Comelec’s resolution proclaiming the winning senatorial candidates for the 2025 midterm elections, and new senators took their oath of office.

No red carpet was rolled out at the Senate due to recent weather systems affecting the country, but spouses, relatives, staff, several Cabinet members, and foreign dignitaries were present.

Both chambers will adjourn around noon to allow senators to travel to Batasang Pambansa complex for the joint Sona session.