Marcos Jr. delivers SONA amid rain, thunderstorms

Cloudy skies with scattered rain and a possibility of thunderstorms are expected across Metro Manila and several regions on Monday, July 28, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasan Pambansa Complex.

According to Pagasa weather specialist Obet Badrina, generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rains are anticipated in Metro Manila due to the southwest monsoon or habagat, increasing chances of heavy showers in the afternoon and evening.

Pagasa also warns that Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and Cordillera Administrative Region may experience cloudy skies with high probability of scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

The rest of Luzon is expected to have generally fair weather although isolated rain showers and thunderstorms remain possible from afternoon to evening; Palawan and the Visayas are also forecasted to receive isolated rain showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco issued a memo for an austere SONA amid ongoing tropical cyclones and the Southwest Monsoon, urging members to avoid ostentatious displays and exercise discretion in wardrobe choices.

The Senate has also decided not to roll out the red carpet for the opening of the 19th Congress due to recent calamities affecting several regions.