The day before his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Duterte is scheduled to undergo COVID-19 swab test on July 26, Sunday, said Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Saturday.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV, Nograles said, “Baka tomorrow din siguro,” when asked when will Duterte be tested.

Earlier, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that the President will take the RT-PCR test.

Meanwhile, Nograles also said that all of the attendees at the SONA will also undergo swab testing.

The President will physically deliver his SONA before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday afternoon.

House Deputy Secretary General for Administration Department Dr. Ramon Ricardo Roque said on Wednesday that in a briefing, lawmakers and their staff who will attend the SONA will be required to undergo swab testing as well as rapid testing for COVID-19.

The House official said persons who will test positive in either of the COVID-19 tests will no longer be allowed to attend the SONA physically.

Fifteen Cabinet members and 50 lawmakers will be allowed to witness the President’s address.

According to Nograles, “By any unforeseen circumstances, mukhang preparado naman ang Kongreso sa tanggap nila kay Pangulong Duterte para sa kanyang State of the Nation Address doon sa House of Representatives.”

“Ang kaibahan nga lang, iilan lang ang makaka-attend. Iilang mga kongresista, piling pili. Pati ang mga senador, piling pili para magkakaroon talaga ng social distancing,” he added.

The Cabinet secretary said the SONA will be aired live on TV and radio. It will also be live-streamed on social media.

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