The Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, which serves as the seat of the House of Representatives, has been put on lockdown until Sunday in preparation for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
Only those on a pre-approved list will be given access to the facility, which will be marked with color-coded stickers.
Vehicles entering the Batasang Pambansa are likewise thoroughly inspected.
According to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, the increased security measures are in place to guarantee the safety of the President and other high-ranking government officials attending the SONA.
Velasco stated that the Batasang Pambansa is prepared and that "all systems go" for Marcos' second SONA.
This weekend, a technical rehearsal is anticipated at the compound, though Marcos is not expected to attend.
Velasco said the rehearsal will be held to guarantee that the arrangements for the SONA are "perfect."
Marcos will deliver his second SONA in front of a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as top government officials and other guests.
The President previously stated that his SONA will be a report outlining how the Philippines has made "significant progress" in the year since he assumed office.
In preparation for the event, all public and private schools in Quezon City were closed on Monday, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) provided alternate routes for cars that normally use Commonwealth Avenue.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) had stated that 5,000 cops would be sent to secure the Batasang Pambansa.
