At least 2,000 guests are expected to attend the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. in Batasan Pambansa Complex on July 24, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said on Tuesday.
"We expect more guests than the previous SONA not only because of the interest of the people but we're back to normal," Velasco told reporters in an interview.
He said they have relaxed the COVID-19 health protocols.
All invited guests will not be required to present negative anti-gen results except those who are unvaccinated and are showing COVID-19 symptoms, Velasco noted.
"Even the health declaration, we will forego that. Sa mga media, hindi na rin namin nire-require iyon," he added.
The House Secretary General earlier said that the printed formal invitation will be sent for the guests, starting Monday, July 10.
He reminded the House's counterpart, the Senate, and the Office of the President (OP) to complete their guest list within the week.
"You must have the guest list within the week. If you have it, you can send it to us because we want to know how many seats we will reserve," Velasco said.
Presidential adviser on Creative Communications Paul Soriano will direct the President's 2nd SONA.
A total of 1,365 were invited to attend face-to-face SONA of Marcos last year.
