By Benjamin Cuaresma
QUEZON CITY — House Majority Leader Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos III on Monday ordered heightened security measures at the House of Representatives following reports of an alleged bomb threat hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Marcos said he is still awaiting a complete briefing from authorities but expressed confidence that law enforcement agencies would identify those behind the reported threat and determine their motive.
He also instructed the Presidential Security Command (PSC) to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the Batasang Pambansa Complex and other critical areas to ensure the safety of lawmakers, government officials, guests, and the public attending the annual address.
The House leader said the timing of the reported threat should not be taken lightly, noting that it came on the same day as the President’s SONA.
“Given the current political climate, it is prudent to exercise maximum vigilance,” Marcos said, adding that authorities should leave no room for complacency in securing the event.
Meanwhile, Marcos revealed that President Marcos’ address is expected to run for more than 90 minutes, but declined to disclose any details of the speech.
“I don’t want to spoil it or speak on behalf of the President,” he said, urging the public to wait for the official delivery of the SONA.
Security forces remained on heightened alert throughout the Batasang Pambansa Complex as authorities continued to monitor the situation while preparations for the President’s annual report to the nation proceeded under tight security.
ia/xf
