SONA to be 'simple but dignified,' no celebrity directors — Usec Castro

President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) will be “simple but dignified” and will not feature celebrity directors or A-list personalities from the entertainment industry, Malacañang said Monday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said preparations are underway for the President’s penultimate SONA, which is scheduled on July 27.

“Simpleng okasyon. Ang gagawin lang natin sa gagawing SONA ay simple lamang po at wala pong celebrity directors or mga big A-listers na magpe-perform,” Castro said.

(It will be a simple occasion. This year’s SONA will be simple, and there will be no celebrity directors or big A-list personalities performing.)

Castro said a performer has already been chosen to sing the national anthem but declined to reveal the person’s identity.

“Kung may napupusuan siya na aawit ng national anthem, meron na po at alam ko na rin po. Pero hindi ko alam, magpapaalam muna ako kung dapat ko siyang sabihin. Baka sabihin huwag muna at kailangan na may surprise. Pero ‘pag ako pinayagan na, babanggitin ko kahit bukas.”

(A performer has already been chosen to sing the national anthem, and I already know who it is. But I’ll first ask for permission before revealing the name. They might want it to remain a surprise. Once I’m allowed to disclose it, I can announce it even tomorrow.)

Marcos is set to deliver his fifth SONA before a joint session of Congress on July 27, where he is expected to report on the administration’s accomplishments and outline its priorities for the remainder of his term. — RSJ, GMA News