Marcos Jr.'s SONA prep suspended over floods, outrage

Malacanang has suspended all preparations for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) due to severe flooding and public backlash over viral photos showing workers installing posters during heavy rains.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated that government personnel were reportedly putting up SONA-related materials while communities faced heavy flooding, which dismayed the president.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, together with other agencies, has been instructed to focus exclusively on flood response and relief operations.

Deliveries of relief goods and emergency medicines have begun in affected areas as the government mobilizes evacuation efforts for those displaced by the floods.

Metro Manila and seven Luzon provinces were placed under an orange rainfall warning signaling continued flood threats, prompting the Palace to announce the suspension of classes at all levels and government work on July 23.

Government agencies providing essential services must remain operational while non-essential employees may work under approved alternative arrangements; local chief executives can suspend classes or government work in their areas as needed.