MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
This year’s SONA marks the midpoint of his six-year term, a crucial period one analyst describes as potentially the “make or break” phase of his presidency.
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Security and Attendance
To ensure safety during the event, over 23,000 police officers will be deployed in and around the Batasang Pambansa.
In the lead-up to the SONA, President Marcos ordered a halt to all SONA-related preparations amid reports that government workers were installing materials in public spaces, even as many communities continued to suffer from widespread flooding.
Marcos expressed frustration over the matter, stressing that government resources should be focused on flood response and relief efforts.
Initially, House Spokesperson Princess Abante said that about 2,000 guests were expected, similar to last year. However, Rep. Janette Garin (Iloilo, 1st District) later confirmed that attendance would be scaled down in light of the current circumstances.
Vice President Sara Duterte is not expected to attend, having sent her regrets. She also skipped last year’s SONA.
Simpler Ceremonies
In response to the country’s ongoing challenges, House Speaker Martin Romualdez called for toned-down red carpet and ceremonial arrangements, emphasizing the need for sobriety and sensitivity.
It would be out of touch to maintain a show of pageantry while our people are still in recovery,” Romualdez said.
While the north and south wing lobbies will no longer feature red carpets, the main lobby’s traditional carpet will remain in place.
Attendees are still expected to wear formal attire but have been “respectfully urged to avoid ostentatious displays” and to exercise discretion in their fashion choices.
Award-winning tenor Sofronio Vasquez, the first Filipino and first male Asian to win The Voice in the U.S., will lead the singing of the Philippine national anthem.
What to Expect: SONA 2025 Highlights
President Marcos is expected to present a detailed report on his administration’s accomplishments, policy priorities, and plans moving forward.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the President has been personally involved in drafting the speech, viewing it as a critical opportunity to directly address the Filipino people.
“The President is eager to report programs and projects carefully designed to uplift the lives of our countrymen,” Bersamin shared.
According to a recent Pulse Asia survey, the top concern for Filipinos remains rising prices of basic goods and services—an issue many are eager to see tackled in this year’s address.
Following recent flooding and natural disasters, the public also anticipates updates on the government’s disaster risk reduction, flood control, and environmental protection measures. In last year’s SONA, Marcos reported the completion of thousands of flood control projects, with more underway.
Marcos also made headlines last year for announcing a ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) due to their links to crime—an action praised even by critics. This year, he is under renewed pressure to take a stance on online g*mbling, which many say harms vulnerable Filipino families.
The SONA, mandated by Article VII, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution, serves as the President’s annual report to Congress on the state of the nation and the government’s priorities. It is held every fourth Monday of July.
SONA 2025 Livestream and Media Coverage
The traditional ceremony is expected to begin at 4:00 p.m., with the President arriving either by air or land.
Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), the official broadcasting arm of the Palace, will once again direct the SONA’s live production.
The SONA 2025 will be aired via livestream on the government's channel PTV, Presidential Communications Facebook page, and RTVM YouTube channel:
Mainstream media outlets including ABS-CBN, GMA-7, and TV5 are expected to use RTVM’s centralized livestream for their own coverage.
— The Summit Express