House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed on Wednesday that former president Rodrigo Duterte will be attending the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on July 24.
"Yes, nag-confirm na, pati iyong anak niya, si [Vice President Sara Duterte], nag-confirm rin," Velasco told reporters.
Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte may sit next to each other in the VIP gallery, according to Velasco. However, he has yet to confirm this due to the need to obtain "clearance" from both of them in accordance with established protocol.
"Kailangan kasi may clearance sa dalawa. Mapapansin niyo, ngayon kini-clear kasi namin sa mga VIP kung okay sa 'yo na katabi mo ito, ganyan," said Velasco. "As much as possible, we want them to be comfortable."
He said that some of the guests want to sit beside those with whom they are comfortable.
"We have accommodated all these types of requests. I have attended many SONA. I know the sentiments of all types of guests," Velasco noted.
The former chief executive is currently in China to meet Chinese President Xi Jin Ping.
