House launches preparations for Marcos’ fifth State of the Nation Address

PREPARATIONS for the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formally got underway on Tuesday as the House of Representatives convened the first inter-agency coordination meeting for the July 27 activity, with organizers signaling a simpler and more understated program this year. House Secretary General Atty. Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, who presided over the meeting as host, said the operative word for this year’s SONA is simplicity. “There will be no red carpet, no long gowns,” Garafil said, adding that the guidance shall be indicated in the official invitation. Be that as it may, she encouraged guests to wear simple but dignified clothing fit for the occasion. Officials from the House of Representatives, Senate, Office of the President, security agencies, local government units, and other concerned offices attended the coordination meeting to discuss logistical, security, protocol, and operational arrangements for the President’s annual address before Congress. The Senate delegation was led by Secretary Renato Bantug Jr., who expressed the chamber’s readiness to work closely with all participating agencies to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the event. Representing the Office of the President, Chief of Presidential Protocol Undersecretary Reichel Quinones thanked the House for hosting the initial coordination meeting and expressed confidence in the chamber’s capability to organize the SONA. This year’s SONA, President Marcos’ fifth since assuming office in 2022, is scheduled on July 27, 2026 at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives.