House allocates P20M for Marcos Jr.'s SONA

The House of Representatives has allocated a P20 million budget for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, covering various expenses such as meals, uniforms, security, and equipment rental.

Reginald Velasco, Secretary General of the House, defended the budget on Wednesday, July 10, saying that every peso is carefully managed to reflect the significance of this constitutionally mandated event while being conscious of public sentiments regarding taxpayers' money.

The PHP20 million budget includes food and beverages for over 2,000 guests and staff, three sets of uniforms for approximately 2,000 Secretariat employees, security expenses, inter-agency coordination meetings, invitations and giveaways, equipment rental, potted plants and flowers, and other incidental expenses.

The House is nearing completion of Batasang Pambansa renovations with final preparations underway and traffic rerouting plans in place to accommodate the large number of high-profile guests confirmed for the event.

ACT Teachers Party List Representative France Castro has criticized the prohibition of outfits with protest messages during the SONA, calling it a violation of freedom of expression.