Palace: SONA will be simple, dignified

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos’ fifth State of the Nation Address is expected to be devoid of star-studded performances, Malacañang announced yesterday as organizers continue preparations for the SONA, which has long been associated with celebrities, red carpet and flashy gowns.

“The SONA will be simple. There will be no celebrity directors or big A-lister performers,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said. “A national event like the SONA will be simple, but dignified.”

Last month, House Secretary-General Cheloy Garafil said there would be no red carpet and long gowns during the SONA.

Guests will be encouraged to come in simple Filipiniana attire during what organizers described as a “toned down” event.

Castro said the singer of the national anthem has been chosen, but she has yet to secure permission to disclose the information.

During last year’s SONA, Marcos sought a probe into corruption schemes that spawned ghost and substandard flood control projects.

The President has said corrupt officials and contractors who benefited from the anomalies should be ashamed for endangering flood-prone communities.

Burning effigies

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) may arrest protesters who will burn effigies during the SONA.

PNP spokesman Col. Allen Rae Co said while police would exercise maximum tolerance, they would not shy away from using force if necessary.

“If the protesters will cause trouble and if it reaches the point that there are threats, burning (of effigies) and chaos that will endanger the safety of the general public, we will do what is necessary and (within) the full force of the law,” Co said at a press briefing.

Burning effigies of the sitting president’s likeness has become a common scene during SONAs.

Last year, protesters did not burn an effigy bearing President Marcos’ face. Instead they stepped on it and hit it with a stick.

Over 20,000 personnel from the PNP, Armed Forces, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will be deployed to secure the SONA on July 27.

Some progressive groups have applied for a rally permit, according to Co, but have yet to get approval from the Quezon City government. — EJ Macababbad