President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to address a joint session of Congress on Monday, July 27, for his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), entering the final two years of his six-year term with a report on his administration’s performance and a roadmap for upcoming legislative priorities.
According to Malacañang, the annual address serves both as an accounting of the government’s progress and a guide for Executive policy goals in the coming session.
Communications Secretary Dave Gomez emphasized the dual nature of the speech during a television interview on the Bilyonaryo News Channel.
”And just like in any other SONA, it’s a report card of the achievements, accomplishments of the year. And, at the same time, it sets the legislative agenda for Congress,” Gomez said.
”So, on both scores, I think that one we can expect — the President will outline his accomplishments for the year and lay out the legislative agenda for the Executive and Legislature to work on this coming session year,” he added.
Gomez noted that President Marcos authored the speech himself using inputs from Cabinet agencies, making continuous refinements right up to delivery. Speaking to reporters in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, Marcos explained his hands-on drafting process.
”I’m never done. Until one hour before the SONA, I’m still changing it because, of course, we want it to be perfect,” President Marcos said.
He shared that the draft was nearly complete, with final adjustments focused on pacing and content.
”And that is what we will take up,” Marcos remarked regarding his report to the public.
”Of course, I will make sure that people know all of the things that we have done to navigate this very difficult period in our history, where we are buffeted by all these external forces,” he added, noting that policy tweaks have helped cushion the impact of global challenges on everyday Filipinos.
While Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that key achievements will feature prominently, details on specific topics remain under wraps.
When asked if the speech will address sensitive issues—such as the probe into alleged irregular flood control projects or the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte—Marcos remained brief.
”Abangan ang susunod na kabanata,” the President teased.
Malacañang highlighted that this year’s SONA will feature a “simple but dignified” production directed internally by Radio Television Malacañang, without celebrity directors.
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chorale—recent Grand Prix winners at the Korea International Choir Competition—will sing the national anthem.
Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has ordered seamless coordination among the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces, Presidential Security Command, and transport agencies to guarantee public safety and smooth traffic management around the Batasang Pambansa.
”Siguruhin nating magiging mapayapa at maayos ang SONA para sa lahat,” Recto stated.
“Dapat handa tayo, magkakaugnay ang ating pagkilos, at mabilis ang ating pagtugon sa anumang sitwasyon,” he added, stressing that peaceful expression must be protected while safeguarding the general public.