Marcos’ 5th Sona to last 1 hour, 20 mins – Palace

This report is part of Inquirer’s Sona 2026 coverage. Follow our live page for real-time updates.

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday will last one hour and 20 minutes, according to Palace press officer Claire Castro.

He is set to deliver his second-to-last Sona at the Batasang Pambansa at 4 p.m.

READ: Marcos makes final preparations for his 2026 Sona

Castro did not provide further details about the key topics to be discussed, but Marcos said last week that the public should wait for the next chapter of the government’s fight against corruption.

The Palace official also teased “earthshaking announcements” during Marcos’ Sona, similar to his “Mahiya naman kayo (You should be ashamed of yourselves)!” remark.

Malacañang has also yet to release details of the attire that Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will wear for the event.

READ: Marcos on his forthcoming Sona: ‘Stay tuned for the next chapter’

Marcos is expected to leave the Malacañang compound at 3:30 p.m. aboard a presidential helicopter and arrive at the Batasang Pambansa to deliver his Sona.

Meanwhile, tight security has been implemented in the Malacañang compound, resulting in heavy traffic.

Only the Jose P. Laurel gate remains open for people and vehicles entering and exiting the compound. /das