Cover Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his third SONA on Monday (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his third SONA on Monday (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
1 / 1
Every fourth Monday of July, the president of the Philippines faces the nation to deliver a State of the Nation Address (SONA)
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a cornerstone of Philippine political tradition, where the President reports on the status of the country, outlines the government’s agenda for the coming year and proposes legislative measures.
This annual event, following the 1987 Constitution, takes place on the fourth Monday of July, when the President stands before Filipinos to reflect on achievements and confront the present realities and chart the future course.
Read more: Revisiting Malacañang Palace's storied past and a tour of its recent renovations
In 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will deliver his State of the Nation Address on July 28, with the nation’s eyes fixed on him. His upcoming address, the fourth during his term, is particularly anticipated given the challenges and opportunities his administration faces, including the ongoing dispute in the West Philippine Sea, education woes, and economic growth, among others.
Assembly
Above The SONA is traditionally held at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, the largest city of the country. (Photo: Courtesy of Philippine Congress)
The SONA is traditionally held at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, the largest city of the country. (Photo: Courtesy of Philippine Congress)
1 / 1
The SONA takes place every year at the Batasang Pambansa Complex situated in the Philippines’ largest city, Quezon City. The complex is where both houses of Congress convene in a joint session.
Government officials, diplomats, dignitaries and other guests arrive, often showcased in formal attire that reflects Filipino fashion
Did you know: In 1950, former President Elpidio Quirino became the first and only president to deliver a SONA via radio broadcast from his hospital bed in the United States, where he was confined due to a heart ailment.
See also: A new Filipino saint? The late ‘Ka Luring’ pushed as a candidate for Catholic sainthood
Opening of Congress
Above Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his second State of the Nation Address before lawmakers at the House of Representatives in 2023 (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his second State of the Nation Address before lawmakers at the House of Representatives in 2023 (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
1 / 1
Before the SONA, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate President first call their respective chambers to order and officially open the joint session of Congress.
Did you know: The first SONA was delivered by former President Manuel Quezon in 1935, following the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.
President’s Arrival
Above Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. waves to lawmakers after delivering his first State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in 2022 (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. waves to lawmakers after delivering his first State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in 2022 (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
1 / 1
The President usually arrives shortly before 4pm through a helicopter or a car. He is greeted with full military honours, including a 21-gun salute and the playing of the national anthem before he proceeds to the session hall.
Did you know: In 2020, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s SONA only had 50 guests, the lowest attendance in Philippine history, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Delivery of the SONA
Above MANILA, PHILIPPINES - JULY 25: Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. delivers his first State of the Nation Address before lawmakers at the House of Representatives on July 25, 2022 in Manila, Philippines. Marcos Jr., the son and namesake of disgraced dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., laid down his plans for the country still reeling from the effects of the pandemic and soaring inflation. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - JULY 25: Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. delivers his first State of the Nation Address before lawmakers at the House of Representatives on July 25, 2022 in Manila, Philippines. Marcos Jr., the son and namesake of disgraced dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., laid down his plans for the country still reeling from the effects of the pandemic and soaring inflation. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
1 / 1
At 4pm, the President delivers the SONA, which typically includes an assessment of the country’s current situation and the administration’s priorities. The address often covers various topics such as the economy, national security, social services, infrastructure and foreign policy.
Did you know: Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo holds the record for the shortest SONA at 25 minutes in 2005 while former President Duterte delivered the longest SONA, lasting two hours and 45 minutes in 2021.
The late President Ferdinand Marcos delivered the most verbose SONA with 29,335 words.
Read more: Revisiting Malacañang Palace's storied past and a tour of its recent renovations
Adjournment
Above Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his second State of the Nation Address before lawmakers at the House of Representatives in 2023 (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his second State of the Nation Address before lawmakers at the House of Representatives in 2023 (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
1 / 1
Throughout the speech, members of Congress and other attendees may react with applause or other expressions of support or dissent. The address is broadcast live on television, radio and on social media, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
After the President concludes the SONA, the House Speaker and Senate President usually make brief remarks.
Did you know: Effigies are frequently seen during SONAs near the Batasang Pambansa Complex, symbolising grievances and criticisms against the government, serving as visual expressions of dissent and calls for socio-political change.
NOW READ
Asia’s future leaders are in the hands of these pioneering educators
Youths are the future—and these 4 people are making sure of it
Behind every successful Olympic team are sports administrators paving the way
Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
