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Aquino arrives at Batasan for second SONA


President Benigno Aquino III arrived at the Batasan Pambansa Complex in Quezon City for his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday afternoon. Aquino arrived via presidential chopper at around 3:30 p.m. and went straight to the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) near the plenary hall of the Batasan edifice. He was with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte. Ranking government officials and other important political figures have likewise started arriving at the Batasang for Aquino's SONA. Among those who were already at the venue were Vice President Jejomar Binay, and former Presidents Joseph Estrada and Fidel Ramos. Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had earlier said she would skip Aquino's SONA. Also among those spotted were Senators Lito Lapid, Panfilo Lacson, Francis Escudero, Gregorio Honasan, Francis Pangilinan, Bong Revilla Jr., Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casino, Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado, Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay, and Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga. Other officials seen at the Batasan also include Commission on Human Rights chair Loretta Rosales, US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas JR., MTRCB chair Grace Poe Llamanzares, Optical Media Board Ronnie Rickets, and Palawan Gov. Abraham Mitra. Also present were Commission on Higher Education chief Patricia Licuanan, presidential political adviser Ronand Llamas, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Presidential Communications Operations head Herminio Coloma, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Commission on Audit chief Grace Tan, Justice Secretary Leila de lima, Presidential Management Staff chief Julia Abad, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda were also present. Also in attendance were Metropolitan Manila Development Auhority chairman Francis Tolentino, National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje and Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, among others. - with Kim Tan and Andreo C. Calonzo/KBK, GMA News

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