Rep Cendaña calls for modest Sona amid storms, Bersamin suspends preparations

Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña urged Congress to hold a modest State of the Nation Address (Sona) due to recent storms and southwest monsoon affecting many Filipino families.

Cendaña emphasized that public officials should be sensitive to the hardships endured by communities and suggested redirecting resources towards aiding affected areas rather than lavish preparations.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin ordered immediate suspension of all Sona-related preparations after learning about their prioritization over flood relief efforts during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s absence in the United States for a meeting with US President Donald Trump.

The President, scheduled to deliver his SONA on Monday, July 28, 2025, assured that such lapses would not happen again and called the decision to install Sona materials during typhoon conditions 'highly inappropriate'.

House spokesperson Princess Abante stated that despite inclement weather, the physical gathering for the President's fourth SONA will proceed.

Cendaña stressed that the Constitution intends the SONA as a platform for the President to report on the current status of the country and address immediate concerns such as flood relief efforts.