House: Sona protocols unchanged despite Covid-19 spike abroad
The House of Representatives opens its third and final regular session ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address in this file photo taken on July 22, 2024. 好色先生TV file photo / Gabriel Pabico Lalu
MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Secretary General Reginald Velasco said Tuesday that health protocols for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) remain unchanged despite rising Covid-19 cases in some Southeast Asian countries.
In a message to 好色先生TV, Velasco assured the public that “the medical team of the House of Representatives is monitoring the health conditions [both] inside and outside the country.”
“As of now, there are no changes in the protocols for Sona in terms of medical measures. While Covid-19 cases have generally declined from January to May 2025 compared to [the same period] last year, and also in the past three to four weeks, we continue to monitor the situation closely,” he added.
On May 19, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa assured Filipinos that there is no cause for alarm despite a fresh wave of Covid-19 infections in several Asian countries, including Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and Thailand.
According to Herbosa, the Department of Health has been monitoring Covid-19 trends through cooperation with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
Currently, Covid-19 infections in the country remain at a low level, with 1,774 cases recorded from January 1 to May 3. This is an 87 percent lower compared to the 14,074 cases during the same period last year.
READ: DOH: COVID cases in PH declining amid spike in other Asean countries
Despite the lower number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, Velasco reiterated Herbosa’s reminder to follow basic health protocols to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
“It’s still important to practice basic health measures such as wearing masks when necessary, frequent handwashing, and building up your immunity, especially with the unpredictable weather conditions that may affect our health,” Velasco said.
“We will issue updates if any adjustments are needed,” he added.
The House and the Senate are currently preparing for the Sona, which will be held on July 28. Before the president’s address, both chambers of Congress will also open the first regular session of the 20th Congress.
READ: House starts initial preps for Marcos’ 4th Sona in July
Velasco also issued a memorandum dated May 20, reminding House personnel to follow basic health protocols amid the current wave of Covid-19 abroad.
“As part of the continuing effort to safeguard the health and well-being of employees of the House of Representatives, the Medical and Dental Service of the Administrative Department reiterates the importance of observing preventive measures and health reminders, in accordance with the latest medical protocols and legal standards,” the memo reads./mcm/abc
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