President Bongbong Marcos’ fifth State of the Nation Address will proceed without celebrity directors, major performers or an elaborate production as Malacañang moves to keep the annual event simple amid economic and international pressures.
Marcos will deliver his penultimate SONA before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on July 27.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the scaled-down program reflects the President’s preference as the Philippines faces the effects of the Middle East conflict, including pressure on global oil prices.
“‘Yan po talaga ang plano at ‘yan din po ang gusto ng Pangulo,” Castro said when asked whether current conditions influenced the decision to hold a more modest event.
Radio Television Malacañang will oversee the broadcast and production instead of tapping a celebrity filmmaker. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chorale will lead the singing of the national anthem. No A-list entertainers are scheduled to perform.
The House of Representatives is coordinating with the Office of the President and other government agencies on security, protocol, logistics and operational preparations.
House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil earlier announced that there would be no red carpet or long gowns during the event. Guests were encouraged to wear simple but dignified attire, with the guidance included in the official invitations.
The decision marks a departure from some previous SONAs that involved prominent filmmakers and entertainers. Marcos’ first SONA in 2022 was directed by filmmaker Paul Soriano, while singer Sofronio Vasquez performed the national anthem during the President’s fourth address in 2025.
Marcos is expected to use the address to present his administration’s accomplishments, discuss the country’s current condition and outline his legislative and policy priorities for the remaining two years of his term.
