President Rodrigo Duterte will deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa later this month, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said on Thursday.

“I just received word that the President will deliver his SONA in Batasang Pambansa, House of Representatives on July 27. Preparations are underway,” Sotto said.

Sotto said a maximum of 50 persons will be allowed inside the venue to witness the President’s delivery of the SONA due to the pandemic, Sotto said.

The 50 persons will be divided into delegations from the Executive department, the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Metro Manila will remain under general community quarantine  (GCQ) until the end of July due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under it, large public gatherings are prohibited./Stacy Ang