LOOK: Lawmakers arrive for session open, prepare for 'simple but dignified' Marcos' 5th SONA — ANC

[0:00] Moving on, let's get an update on the situation at the House. [0:03] Ahead of the President's fifth State of the Nation address this afternoon, [0:06] Agatha Gregoria joins us live from the lower chamber. [0:10] Agatha, good morning. Go ahead. [0:14] Good morning, Stanley. [0:15] We are seeing signs here at the House of Representatives [0:18] at the simpler State of the Nation address [0:21] with no red carpet here at the North Wing lobby. [0:24] And when we passed by the South Wing lobby earlier as well, [0:27] there was no red carpet. [0:29] House Secretary General Celoy Garofil previously said [0:33] there will be no red carpet and guests are directed to wear a simple Filipinana. [0:37] Palace Press Officer Claire Castro also earlier said [0:39] the Palace seeks to keep the event quote simple but dignified. [0:43] House Sergeant at Arms Ferdinand Melchior de la Cruz previously said [0:47] they toned down preparations and expenditures for this year, [0:50] likely in relation to the crisis. [0:53] Lawmakers are trickling in as the second regular session of the 20th Congress [0:57] at the House of Representatives is scheduled to open at 10 a.m. [1:01] Here we expect to hear the remarks of House Speaker Faustino Bogd III [1:05] and we're also seeing tighter security measures here at the House of Representatives [1:09] with bag and car checks for all of the individuals coming in. [1:14] Stanley? [1:15] All right. [1:15] Thank you so much for the update from the House of Representatives, Agatha Gregorio. [1:19] Now, the 20th Congress had to open its second regular session. [1:23] Victoria Tulad was able to talk to some senators about their expectations for the president's speech. [1:29] She filed this report. [1:32] The session here at the Senate is expected at 10 in the morning. [1:35] It is supposed to be a short session according to Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. [1:40] It will be the first time Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian will preside over a regular session [1:46] after being elected SP in a special session last June 13, [1:50] formally taking over the Senate leadership from former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano. [1:56] Aside from the usual opening day resolutions, [1:58] Bantug says what is expected of the day's session is Gatchalian's message. [2:03] It will be a short session because senators will also need to go to the House of Representatives [2:07] to listen to the Sona, with Gatchalian sitting behind Marcos at the rostrum. [2:12] We asked senator judges what they want to hear from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s [2:17] fifth State of the Nation address. [2:20] Senator Panfilo Laxon said he hopes to hear a concrete progress report [2:23] on the government's anti-corruption efforts, particularly the flood control issues as well. [2:30] All right. [2:30] The 20th Congress opens its second regular session. [2:33] Let's go there live. [2:34] The upper chamber, where Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian will be addressing fellow senators ahead [2:39] of the present Sona this afternoon. [2:42] Let's listen in. [2:42] Mercy and protection. [2:44] Thank you for sustaining our nation and for granting us another opportunity to serve our people [2:49] through meaningful legislation and public service. [2:53] Lord, we ask for your wisdom to guide every decision we make. [2:58] Teach us to choose what is just, uphold what is true, and always pursue what is good for our country [3:06] and for every Filipino. [3:09] Bless each one of us gathered in this chamber today, as well as our colleagues who are unable to be with us. [3:16] Grant us the wisdom to discern what is right, the courage to stand for justice, the strength to endure, [3:24] and the humility to listen with open hearts, especially to the voices of those who are most in need. [3:31] Help us work together with mutual respect and a shared commitment to building a stronger, more united nation. [3:39] May we never lose sight of the trust that our Kababayans have placed in us. [3:44] Today, we also pray for peace, not only in our country, but throughout the world. [3:52] We pray for every nation affected by war, violence, and conflict. [3:57] Comfort those who have lost loved ones. [4:00] Protect the innocent and touch the hearts of leaders so that dialogue may prevail over hatred, [4:06] justice over oppression, and peace over violence. [4:11] Bless our beloved Philippines. [4:13] Protect our people from calamities and danger. [4:17] Strengthen those who tirelessly, selflessly serve our nation. [4:23] Comfort those who continue to endure hardship and uncertainty. [4:28] And grant every Filipino hope for a future filled with opportunity, unity, and compassion. [4:36] Your word reminds us in Proverbs 16, 9. [4:39] A man's heart plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. [4:44] May we always seek your will above our own. [4:48] Let our words reflect kindness. [4:50] Our actions demonstrate integrity. [4:52] And our services bring honor to you. [4:56] May the work we do in this chamber leave a legacy of faithfulness, accountability, [5:02] and a genuine love for our country. [5:04] Lord, never leave us, nor forsake us. [5:08] Continue to guide us each day, give us strength, and help us remain faithful in serving our nation and honoring you. [5:15] All these we ask in your most holy name. Amen. [5:20] Amen. [5:22] Please remain standing for the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. [5:26] And the Senate hymn, Senadong Marangal, to be led by the AUP Ambassadors. [5:32] Sa simoy at sa lari, ang isa't nang matahitagumpang ito. [6:11] Thank you very much. [8:07] The Secretary will please call the roll. [8:09] Roll call of members. [8:12] Donorable Senator Aquino, Senator Cayetano Alan, Senator Cayetano Pia, Senator De La Rosa, Senator Ejercito, Senator Escudero, Senator Estrada, Senator Goh, Senator Ontiveros, Senator Laxon, Senator Lapid, Senator Legarda, Senator Marcoleta, Senator Marco, [8:33] Senator Padilla, Senator Pangilinan, Senator Soto III, Senator Tulfo Irwin, Senator Tulfo Rafi, Senator Villanueva, Senator Villar Camille, Senator Villar Mark, Senator Zubiri, Senate President Gatchelian. [8:51] With 21 senators present, the chair declares the presence of a quorum. [9:02] Thank you very much, Mr. President. [9:03] Mr. President, I move that we dispense with the reading of the journal of the first session, of the first special session of the 20th Congress, Wednesday, June 17, [9:11] 2026 and consider the same as approved. [9:15] Is there any objection? Hearing none, the motion is approved. [9:19] Mr. President, I move that we consider proposed Senate Resolution No. 533. [9:24] Is there any objection? Hearing none, the motion is approved.