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Thursday, July 13, 2006
Sona will definitely be held in Batasan: Palace
MALACAÑANG officials said the State of the Nation Address of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on July 24 will push through as scheduled and it will still be held at the Batasan Pambansa n Quezon City despite bomb threats particularly the recovery of blueprints and explosives from the recaptured Magdalo Group soldiers who plotted to overthrow the government.
Presidential adviser for political affairs Gabriel Claduio said even members of the House of Representatives led by Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. had already overruled suggestions to consider a different venue for this year’s Sona.
Claudio added that appropriate security measures and contingency plans are already in place to ensure that the safety and security of “the President or any of the members of Congress and the guests” are not at risk.
“I think the Sona should proceed in the same venue. First, because tradition dictates that it be done in the same venue; secondly, if you choose to hold it in another place, it would send a wrong signal about the state of stability and security in the country; and thirdly, the President is under no such serious threat that merits a change in venue,” he added.
Presidential chief of staff Micahel Defensor said there would be an increase in the security detailed at the Batasan following the discovery of the explosives and blueprints.
Defensor said aside from that, there are no changes in the Sona plans. He said rumors that the Sona would be postponed are just being circulated by the opposition.
Reports said part of the House contingency plans was holding the Sona in a different venue. Although the idea is remote, among the places suggested include the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Manila Hotel in Manila, Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City and Malacañang Palace. (JMR/Sunnex)
(July 13, 2006 issue)
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