SONA 2026: What you need to know

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, and is expected to report the country's status, achievements, and upcoming plans and priorities.

Section 23, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution states "the President shall address the Congress at the opening of its regular session" while Section 15 of Article VI fixed the date at "fourth Monday of July."

Here's what you need to know about next week's event:

What time is SONA 2026?

As in previous years, the SONA usually starts at 4 p.m. and lasts one to two hours.

Where will SONA 2026 be held?

The President's SONA traditionally takes place at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, which houses the House of Representatives, in Quezon City.

Who are expected to attend?

The SONA is attended by congressmen, senators, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and some special guests. While the Vice President is usually expected to be present, the camp of Vice President Sara Duterte has yet to confirm if she will attend this year's SONA, as the impeachment trial against her is ongoing.

Who will direct SONA 2026?

Marcos' first SONA in 2022 was directed by filmmaker Paul Soriano, whom he appointed then as Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications. But the succeeding SONAs were directed by the "in-house director" of the state-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM).

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that this year's SONA will not feature celebrities again or any entertainment personalities.

She said the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chorale will perform the national anthem during the SONA. The group won the Grand Prix title at the Korea International Choir Competition 2026.

Will there be a red carpet in SONA 2026?

There will be no red carpet again in this year's SONA. Guests are also not expected to be in long gowns.

“We encourage guests to wear simple but dignified clothing fit for the occasion,” said House of Representatives Secretary General Cheloy Garafil.

What are alternate routes?

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that heavy traffic is expected along Commonwealth Avenue, IBP Road, and other major thoroughfares adjacent to the House of Representatives.

Here are the alternate routes:

Northbound (Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview)

• From Elliptical Road (QMC), vehicles should take North Avenue, turn right to Mindanao Avenue then turn right on Sauyo Road or take Quirino Highway going to their destination.

Southbound (Fairview to Quezon Memorial Circle)

• To Elliptical Road (QMC), vehicles from Commonwealth Avenue should take Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway, turn left to Mindanao Avenue, then left to North Avenue going to their destination.

Meanwhile, trucks from C-5 Road or Katipunan Avenue are advised to take the Luzon flyover, then turn right to Congressional Avenue going to their destination.

Light vehicles coming from C-5 Road, on the other hand, should turn left to Magiting, right turn to Maginhawa, left turn to Mayaman, then to Kalayaan going to their destination. —AOL/RSJ, GMA News