The Batasang Pambansa Complex will be placed on lockdown this coming weekend in preparation for the last State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Duterte on Monday.

House Sergeant-at-Arms Ret. Police Major General Mao Aplasca said the lower chamber, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Presidential Security Group (PSG), will implement a "very stringent" protocols to ensure the security of President Duterte, House and Senate leaders and members, guests, personnel, and suppliers, who will take part in the yearly rites.

Within two months, Aplasca said the House was able to formulate security and contingency plans for Sona day, as well as conduct tabletop and simulation exercises from the screening of those who would enter the Batasan Complex until the culmination of the President's address.

Aside from security threats, the House also geared up on how to quickly and efficiently respond in the event of accidents and natural calamities, such as fire incidents and earthquakes.

He said the House is closely coordinating with the AFP and PNP intelligence units to plan and address any security threat.

But Aplasca noted that there have been no major security threats throughout the Sona preparations.

Aplasca also cited that individuals who would be allowed to enter the House premises must be included in the official list of attendees and employees.

A "No ID, No Entry" policy would be strictly implemented. All guests and staff will have to present their Sona IDs and car passes issued by the House to be granted access to the Batasan Complex and the Plenary Hall.

Earlier, House Secretary-General Mark Llandro Mendoza said at least 350 fully vaccinated attendees, including lawmakers and former and current government officials are expected to attend on Monday.

He said former presidents; vice presidents, speakers and other important persons are invited on Monday. Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo already confirmed her attendance.

According to Mendoza, strict health protocols and security guidelines will be implemented on Monday for the opening of the third  and last regular session in the morning and Sona in the afternoon.

"We carefully choose who may attend the Sona and we and the PSG require that they should be fully-vaccinated," he said.

Mendoza said mandatory RT-PCR testing will be conducted for those who will enter the plenary hall, while antigen test for other attendees and staff entering the Batasang Pambansa but assigned outside the plenary hall.

President Duterte is expected to showcase his administration's accomplishments on social programs, infrastructure projects, peace and security initiatives, and foreign policies in his Sona, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said last Wednesday.

He said the Chief Executive is also expected to answer the question on "what and where we are now, and what he will be looking forward to his last year as president."

Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution states that the President shall address Congress at the opening of its regular session. Congress will open its third and last regular session also on Monday, July 26.

The opening of the session and the Sona will be available via Zoom for other members and guests of the House.

Also, Presidential Broadcast Staff-Radio Television Malacañang (PBS-RTVM), which will be inside to cover the Sona, will live feed the event through People's Television Network (PTV), Presidential Communications Operations Office and RTVM Facebook pages and RTVM YouTube channel.

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