Malacañang has ordered the immediate suspension of all preparations for the fourth SONA of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This is due to severe flooding in various parts of the country caused by heavy rains and southwest winds.
According to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, decorations and preparations for the SONA should not be prioritized while many areas are flooded and in need of assistance. Bersamin also ordered that the Department of Public Works and Highways and other government agencies should focus on rescue and relief operations.
President Marcos is in the United States for a working trip with US President Donald Trump to discuss tariffs and defense. But according to Malacañang, Marcos was disappointed after hearing that government staff were still placing SONA materials in public places during the crisis.
According to a report by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, five people have been confirmed dead and seven are missing due to severe flooding. In Metro Manila and surrounding areas, thousands have evacuated their homes to escape rising water.
The President stressed that all government efforts must be focused on the safety of Filipinos in the midst of the crisis. “The welfare of the people must come first,” Malacañang said.
