PBBM stops installation of SONA-related materials

President Marcos, dismayed over reports that State of the Nation Address (SONA)-related materials were being put up amid the massive flooding, ordered a stop to these activities.

- BY BETHEENA UNITE and ELLSON QUISMORIO

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin bared this on Tuesday, July 22, saying the President wants government agencies to focus on disaster response efforts amid the continuous rains and flooding caused by “habagat” or southwest monsoon.

“The President is dismayed by reports that government personnel were putting up SONA-related materials in public areas while many communities are battling heavy flooding,” Bersamin said in a statement.

“Let me be clear: All SONA-related preparations are hereby ordered immediately suspended.”

The executive secretary reminded the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and all concerned agencies that they must “put full attention and exclusive focus on flood response and relief operations.”