Marcos arrives at Batasan for 3rd SONA

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived on Monday afternoon at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City for his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Arriving by presidential helicopter, Marcos is scheduled to address the nation at 4 p.m.

The Chief Executive was escorted by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of-Staff Romeo Brawner Jr., Senate sergeant-at-arms Roberto Ancan, and House Sergeant-at-Arms Napoleon Taas.

Senate President Francis Escudero and Speaker Martin Romualdez welcomed Marcos at the end of the military honor guards formation.

The President proceeded to the Legislator's Lounge before entering the plenary hall to deliver his third SONA.

Earlier this month, Marcos said among the issues he would tackle in his address were the «different threats that have been coming to us,» including the state of the economy, the government's fight against criminality and illegal drugs, as well as Filipinos' quality of life.

Radio Television Malacañang, the government unit that covers the President's official functions and activities, will direct Marcos' third SONA.

Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Marcos writes and edits his address himself.

Marcos' first SONA was one hour and 14 minutes long while his second address lasted for one hour and 11 minutes.

Article 7, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution requires the President to «address the Congress at the opening of its regular session.»