MANILA, (PIA) -- The House of Representative is in full swing for the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., scheduled in July.

According to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, the House prepared early because they expect more visitors to attend this year due to the more relaxed COVID-19 restrictions.

"As early as April, we were already preparing for it because I am very concerned since this is the time when many people will be attending after the COVID-19 pandemic. It's post-COVID. So I expect 100 percent attendance,” Velasco shared with reporters.

He said they aim to finalize the guest list this month.

Among those invited are Vice President Sara Duterte, former presidents, former second presidents, former Speakers of the House, members of the diplomatic corps and heads of international organizations.

For the first time, the Chamber will also allow the use of two conference rooms that can accommodate 500 guests including senior citizens and the medically impaired.

Although Velasco is hoping for 100 percent attendance on SONA day, he said hybrid attendance is still a possible option.

Physically attending SONA requires one must be able to present a negative antigen test result taken 24 hours prior. (PIA-NCR)