PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa around 4 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2026.
Malacañang said earlier that the length of Marcos' fifth Sona may still change, despite currently running for 1 hour and 20 minutes during practice.
“Medyo mabilis pa ’yun, ah. So, ’di natin alam kung mababago, hahaba pa o medyo iiksi,” said Palace Press Officer Claire Castro when asked about the expected duration of the President’s speech.
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Protesters gathered early along Philcoa, Quezon City hours before the fifth State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 27, 2026. | via TPM
Activists begin marching along Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City as they stage a protest against the fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 27, 2026. | via Juan Carlo de Vela
NO RED CARPET FOR MARCOS' FIFTH SONA
For the second consecutive year, no red carpet was rolled out at the Batasang Pambansa Complex for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 27, 2026.
The decision continues the practice observed during last year’s Sona, where the traditional red carpet was also omitted.
QCPD PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF MARCOS' 5TH SONA
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) conducted an inspection along Commonwealth Avenue as part of its preparations for the 2026 State of the Nation Address (Sona).
Police officials inspected security measures, traffic management plans, and personnel deployment in the area to ensure the orderly and safe conduct of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth Sona on Monday, July 27, 2026.
IED found near Senate ahead of Sona
An improvised explosive device (IED) was found in a center island near the Senate of the Philippines along Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City hours ahead of the fifth State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 27, 2026.
“The suspected IED was successfully rendered safe by the responding EOD Team, and the operation was concluded at approximately 8:40 a.m. on the same date without any untoward incident,” the Southern Police District said. | via TPM
House opens session, sets legislative priorities
The House of Representatives has officially opened the 2nd Regular Session of the 20th Congress.
Ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 5th State of the Nation Address (Sona), House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III laid out the chamber’s key legislative priorities, focusing on lowering rice prices, expanding healthcare access, strengthening cybersecurity, and ensuring transparency in public spending. Read the full story.
Various groups have begun marching along Commonwealth Avenue on Monday, July 27, 2026, as they stage protest actions ahead of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona).
Authorities have deployed security personnel in the area to manage traffic and maintain peace and order as the demonstrations continue.
CAYETANO SKIPS MARCOS' FIFTH SONA
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano will not attend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Cayetano said his absence is a form of protest against what he described as the country’s “crumbling democracy.”
The senator said he would instead monitor the proceedings remotely. | via SunStar Davao
'SONA SA KATAWHAN 2026'
Members of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Central Visayas stage a protest along Colon Street in Cebu City during the “Sona sa Katawhan 2026” mobilization on Monday, July 27, 2026, presenting their assessment of the country’s condition ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s State of the Nation Address.
The rally highlighted issues such as poverty, low wages, rising prices, corruption, flooding, and alleged state repression.
As part of the protest, demonstrators burned an effigy depicting President Marcos, symbolizing their criticism of his administration. Personnel from the Cebu City Police Office were deployed to monitor the situation and maintain peace and order during the program held on Colon Street ahead of the President’s State of the Nation Address. | via Juan Carlo de Vela
Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Loren Legarda, and Imee Marcos wore black during the opening of the second regular session of the 20th Congress on Monday, July 27, 2026, to express their protest over the detention of Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta.
The five minority senators are not attending President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 27.
SONA BOYCOTT AND PROTEST
Five members of the Senate minority bloc — Senators Imee Marcos, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Loren Legarda, and Robin Padilla — will not attend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 5th State of the Nation Address (Sona). Read more.
Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas shares her top expectations for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona).
Treñas highlighted the need for concrete national plans to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices — especially for transport drivers — alongside long-term flood control solutions to protect vulnerable cities like Iloilo. Read more.
Cebu 1st District Representative Rhea Gullas dons a modern Filipiniana by Cebu-based designer Cary Santiago for the 5th State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 27, 2026.
"ANG BANSA NATIN GUTAY-GUTAY"
Senator Imee Marcos made a bold statement during the opening of the 2nd Regular Session of the 20th Congress by wearing a dress made of patchwork scraps (retaso), declaring it symbolic of a nation torn apart.
Explaining her decision to boycott the State of the Nation Address (Sona) of her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., she cited the recent detention of Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta as a tipping point.
Wearing black retaso, a faded bag, mismatched earrings, and photos of her late father, Senator Imee expressed grave concern over the current political divide and the state of Philippine democracy.
"Ang damit ko puros retaso, parang bansa natin gutay-gutay, hiwa-hiwa, biyak-biyak, tira-tira! Ang bag ko kumupas na nga, luma na, puro tira-tira, may earrings na walang kapares at nilagyan ko rin ng mga litrato ng aking ama na walang katulad," she said in a Facebook post.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. said he hopes President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will prioritize economic growth, infrastructure funding, food security, and disaster resilience during his State of the Nation Address (Sona), while also providing updates on the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project.
In a press conference on Monday, July 27, 2026, Archival said local government units (LGUs) are looking forward to continued support from the national government, particularly through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which provides direct funding for projects implemented by LGUs.
“The economy is my first expectation, followed by infrastructure projects that will help develop our city,” Archival said. | via CAV
Lawmakers and guests have begun arriving at the House of Representatives plenary hall ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro gave a “100%” rating to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s rehearsal for his 5th State of the Nation Address this Monday, July 27. | via PTV
Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Janice Degamo is looking forward to the “good news” that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. may announce during his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 27.
Degamo also expressed confidence in the findings of the ongoing investigations into alleged anomalies in the government’s flood control projects. | via PTV
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has instructed deployed police personnel to document any individual or group that will burn effigies during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (Sona).
The PNP reminded the public that burning effigies during protests is prohibited by law.
Nartatez assured that the police force will observe maximum tolerance in managing Sona-related demonstrations. | via PTV
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to mention the issue of alleged irregularities in flood control projects during his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 27, 2026. | via PTV
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna hopes that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will highlight the government’s strengthened efforts to protect the environment in his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) this Monday, July 27.
Cuna also assured that environmental protection will not be overlooked amid the planned establishment of Pax Silica. | via PTV
Interview with PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on the preparations and what to expect for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 26, 2026. | via PTV
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. still has much to accomplish in the remaining two years of his term.
Amid various challenges, Gomez cited the Philippines’ achievement of upper-middle-income status and the signed agreement for the Pax Silica initiative with the United States as among the year’s highlights. The initiative is expected to generate up to one million jobs for Filipinos. | via PTV
Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos said he expects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to highlight the government's accomplishments over the past year during his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona).
Abalos also said the President is expected to outline the administration's plans and priorities for the years ahead. | via PTV
Representatives from various embassies and officials from different government agencies attend the opening of the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress at the Senate on Monday, July 27, 2026. | via PTV
51 arrested over protest-related violations
At least 51 individuals were arrested by police during protest actions ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 5th State of the Nation Address.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that arrests were made for illegal public assembly (BP 880), solid waste violations, vandalism, and local ordinances prohibiting face-covering balaclavas. Read more.
House Prosecution Lead Counsel Rep. Gerville Luistro said she is satisfied with the overall performance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his administration over the past year.
Luistro also said it is up to the President whether he will address the impeachment issue during his State of the Nation Address (Sona). | via PTV
Kabataan Partylist Representative Renee Co dons a striking Filipiniana, carrying a fan bearing the words "Singilin" and "Panagutin" ahead of the 5th State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Senators Chiz Escudero and Kiko Pangilinan arrive at the Batasang Pambansa for the 5th State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 27, 2026.
House Majority Leader Rep. Sandro Marcos welcomed Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian upon his arrival at Congress for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 27, 2026.
'PEOPLE'S SONA' ON COMMONWEALTH
Multisectoral groups lead a protest march along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Demonstrators gathered along designated lanes of the highway to voice their concerns regarding the rising cost of living, fuel and electricity rate hikes, job insecurity, and corruption. | Contributed videos
Thousands of demonstrators representing various progressive groups gathered along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s annual address to Congress on Monday, July 27, 2026. | via TPM
SONA RECAP: What did President Marcos promise in 2025?
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) tomorrow, July 27, 2026, as he lays out his administration’s priorities and accomplishments ahead of the final years of his term.
Before the country hears his latest address, revisit the major commitments he made during his fourth Sona in 2025 — from the P20-per-kilo rice program and agriculture support to education, health care, infrastructure, energy, and disaster preparedness.
What promises have moved forward? What remains to be addressed? Swipe through our Sona 2025 recap. #ICYMI
YOUTH REJECT 'PAX SILICA'
Progressive youth group Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (Spark) joined the Sona ng Sambayanan protest ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address, slamming the administration’s backing of the US-led "Pax Silica" framework.
The group warned that the planned 1,619-hectare Economic Security Zone in New Clark City and related critical mineral mining will lead to massive deforestation, community displacement, and resource exploitation. Spark argued that the project primarily enriches foreign tech and defense interests while worsening the Philippines' climate vulnerability and economic dependence.
The presidential chopper carrying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to arrive at the Batasang Pambansa, where he will deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrives at the Batasang Pambansa for his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was welcomed at the Batasang Pambansa by heads of Congress and other officials. He arrived at the Batasang Pambansa around 3:40 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, minutes before his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona).
ALL SET AT BATASANG PAMBANSA
The Plenary Hall of the House of Representatives is packed with lawmakers, diplomats, and invited guests as they await President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 27, 2026.
The joint session was called to order around 4 p.m. Monday.
PCSO Chorale leads the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. begins his Sona on Monday, July 27, 2026, with updates on the ongoing investigation on flood-control anomalies.
"Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking pamilya. Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking kaibaigan. Ako ay Pangulo ng Pilipinas."
Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown attends the 5th State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 27, 2026.
MARCOS SAYS RECOVERED FUNDS RETURNED TO NATIONAL TREASURY
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said more than P800 million in recovered public funds has already been returned to the National Treasury, with additional amounts recovered from those involved in corruption to be remitted to the government’s coffers.
Marcos added that the prosecution of the cases has been entrusted to the Office of the Ombudsman and the strengthened National Prosecution Service, expressing confidence that the justice system will continue to hold those responsible accountable.
MARCOS SAYS INVESTIGATION FOLLOWED EVIDENCE, REGARDLESS OF RANK
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government’s investigation was conducted thoroughly and without favoritism, with authorities following the evidence to determine those responsible.
Marcos said several individuals, including contractors, high-ranking officials, and lawmakers, have already been charged and detained. He added that, according to the Office of the Ombudsman, multiple cases against Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez are nearing filing, stressing that his duty is to uphold the law and serve the Filipino people.
DISASTER RESPONSE
In his 5th State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted a major shift in the country's disaster management — moving from reactive measures to a predictive, tech-driven system.
He said with primary resource centers across Luzon, Visayas, and soon Mindanao, backed by 15 hubs, 76 spokes, and 919 last-mile facilities nationwide, the administration’s new infrastructure makes it possible to deliver emergency food and supplies to target areas in under 24 hours.
MASS TRANSIT EXPANSION
In his 5th State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. outlined the administration's modern transport strategy to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices for commuting Filipinos.
He said 12 MRT 7 stations are opening next year, extending service from North Avenue to Sacred Heart, QC, and eventually San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.
He also mentioned the BRT systems, saying the Phase 1 of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) is now open, with Ilocos Norte BRT slated for inauguration next year.
Marcos also noted that transport operators switching to hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) have successfully buffered themselves against volatile fuel price hikes.
OPLAN KONTRA BAHA AND FLOOD CONTROL
In his 5th State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized that cracking down on ghost and substandard flood control projects goes hand-in-hand with active community cleanup through "Oplan Kontra Baha."
He said through government cash-for-work initiatives, over 200 esteros and waterways across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have been cleared of waste and silt.
However, Marcos reminded the public that government cleanup efforts must be matched by responsible waste disposal from citizens to ensure long-term flood mitigation.
NATIONAL BUILDING CODE UPDATE
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Congress to update the National Building Code to modern standards, emphasizing that both public and private infrastructure across the country must be built to endure major disasters.
STRENGTHENING FOOD SECURITY AND FARMING
In his 5th State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted steady gains in local agricultural production — from palay and corn to livestock and sugar — driven by increased mechanization, irrigation, and farmer support.
He mentioned the deployment of 145 rice processing systems, 3 large cold storage facilities, and nearly 40,000 farm machineries nationwide.
He said 18 million coconut trees have been planted so far, with a goal of reaching 100 million by the end of the administration to secure the coconut industry for decades to come.
'HINDI AKO PANGULO NG AKING PAMILYA'
Opening his 5th State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that multiple criminal charges are imminent against his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, over alleged multi-billion-peso flood control project anomalies. Read the full story.
HYDROGEN AND NUCLEAR ENERGY
In his 5th State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. outlined bold plans to diversify the country's power mix by tapping into hydrogen and nuclear energy to enhance national energy security and lower power bills.
He said pre-developmental projects are underway in Marinduque, Masbate, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, and other key sites.
He added that it is now time to revisit nuclear energy production, promising strict safety protocols and public education campaigns.
"Titiyakin nating ito ay ligtas. Titiyakin din nating maipaliwanag nang mabuti sa publiko ang magandang dulot sa atin ng enerhiyang nukleyar," he said.
EDUCATION REFORMS AND SENIOR HIGH EMPLOYMENT
In his 5th State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed that education remains the administration's top priority, placing heavy emphasis on lifelong learning, upskilling, and practical workforce readiness.
He said Senior High School (SHS) graduates are now eligible to apply for entry-level (first-level) positions in government agencies, adding that over 1,500 SHS graduates have secured jobs during the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fairs in March.
Marcos said the government will continue to improve the quality of education in Philippine colleges and universities to produce globally competitive graduates.
MASSIVE AI READINESS AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared that artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay, highlighting government efforts to harness AI and high-impact tech skills across key sectors.
He said massive DICT programs for AI readiness and literacy have already reached over 1.8 million students, parents, and teachers nationwide. He added that the government will continue to integrate AI and digital transformation into education and core industries to maintain global competitiveness.
PROTECTING YOUTH AND MENTAL HEALTH
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his 5th Sona called for collective community action to shield Filipino youth from online harms, violence, and exploitation.
He said the children should be protected from fake news, early exposure to pornography, casual violence, and social media toxicity linked to rising youth mental health issues, teenage pregnancy, and HIV/Aids.
He honored during his Sona the memory and bravery of students Chris Lorenz Fabian, Joyancee Separa, and Ayessa Nicole Dazo following the tragic shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte.
Marcos called on parents, educators, and institutions to safeguard children in both digital and physical spaces.
NUTRITION
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed during his Sona on Monday, July 27, 2026, the expansion of the School-Based Feeding Program, targeting over 4.5 million students for the current school year.
EXPANDED PHILHEALTH COVERAGE FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a major boost in healthcare support for children with developmental disabilities during his 5th Sona. He said the PhilHealth package rate for consultations, evaluations, and assessments will be doubled, while the covered therapy sessions (occupational, physical, and speech therapy) will jump from 90 to 150 sessions.
REALLOCATING FUNDS TO HEALTH AND EDUCATION
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted on Monday, July 27, 2026, how government funds saved from investigating corrupt, anomalous flood control projects are being redirected toward social services.
He said recovering taxpayer money directly strengthens public health and essential community welfare.
EXPANDING GLOBAL TRADE AND INVESTMENTS
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted during his 5th Sona on Monday, July 27, 2026, the dividends of active foreign diplomacy, asserting that the Philippines is fully integrated into the global economy.
He said 23 Free Trade Agreements are currently in force or under active negotiation, including RCEP and an upcoming Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE.
Marcos also said that over P6 trillion in investment projects were facilitated through the administration's Green Lanes over the past three years, creating an estimated 400,000+ jobs for Filipinos.
"The Philippines is once again a full member of the community of nations," he said.
'WE ARE FILIPINOS, AND WE DO NOT YIELD.'
During his 5th State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the nation's firm stance on national sovereignty, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award under Unclos.
Marcos emphasized that the Philippines will never abandon its legal rights and will continue to uphold them through peaceful and lawful means.
'SA MANLULUPIG, HINDI TAYO PASISIIL'
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered a call for national unity, urging Filipinos across the globe to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in protecting the country's dignity, peace, and sovereignty.
"Sa mga pang-aalipusta, hindi tayo matitinag. Sa manlulupig, hindi tayo pasisiil," he said during his 5th Sona, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
ROCKET LAUNCH
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced during his 5th Sona plans to establish the country's first spaceport in Cagayan.
He said Cagayan is positioned as the primary site for space launch facilities, stressing that experimental sounding rocket launch test is set for next year.
THE FINAL TWO YEARS AND THE ROAD AHEAD
Closing his 5th State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. looked ahead to the remaining two years of his administration, pledging to complete ongoing reforms and deliver on promises made to the Filipino people.
He called on the nation to work together to build a prosperous, resilient, and secure Philippines for the next generation.
"Sa nalalabing dalawang taon ng Administrasyon, tatapusin natin ang mga nasimulan, at tutuparin ang ating pangako sa sambayanan... We do this for our children. We do this for our future," Marcos said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. concluded his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) at 5:31 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2026.
"Tanggalin na natin ang systems loss na pinapasa sa consumer!"
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. demanded during his 5th Sona the amendment of Epira to ban systems loss charges and VAT on electricity bills. Read the full story.
SUMMARY: Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Sona 2026
From anti-corruption drives to major economic and tech announcements, in this article are the highlights from the President's report to the nation. Read the summary.
