SONA preparations in Batasan continue; NEB work suspension extended: Andanar

July 25, 2020

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said preparation for President Rodrigo Duterte's State of the Nation Address ( SONA) on Monday will proceed as planned despite 10 personnel tested positive for COVID-19.

''The Radio Television-Malacanang (RTVM) will continue on their coverage plan with the deployment of a different team that is not among those who have been in contact with its two COVID-19 positive personnel,'' said Andanar in a statement on Saturday.

Andanar said he tested negative for COVID-19 after being tested on Thursday but he added that 10 personnel was positive for the coronavirus disease.

As office disinfection will continue at the New Executive Building (NEB), Andanar said ''physical work suspension will be extended until further notice in order to ensure our personnel’s safety against the virus.''

''We are relaying our hopes and prayers for their speedy recovery from the virus,'' said Andanar. ''Precautionary measures, such as testing, will be conducted for the SONA assigned team in order to ensure the safety of President Duterte and the rest of the audience at the Batasang Pambansa,'' he added.

Andanar said the Presidential Communications Operations Office would like to assure the family of those who have been infected by COVID-19, as well as the general public, that the PCOO is doing all the health and medical protocols prescribed by the government.

'We are also fulfilling any assistance and support we can provide to our personnel and their families on the matter,'' he said. DMS