President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address will take a simpler and more restrained approach this year, with organizers dropping the red carpet and discouraging elaborate formal wear for the July 27 event.
House Secretary General Atty. Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said the guidance for this year’s SONA is “simplicity,” as preparations formally began with the first inter-agency coordination meeting at the House of Representatives.
“There will be no red carpet, no long gowns,” Garafil said, adding that the dress code and other reminders will be included in the official invitation.
While guests will be asked to avoid overly elaborate attire, Garafil said they are still encouraged to wear simple but dignified clothing appropriate for the President’s annual address before Congress.
The decision signals a more understated tone for one of the country’s most closely watched political events, traditionally attended by lawmakers, Cabinet officials, diplomats, security officials, local executives, and other invited guests.
Garafil presided over the coordination meeting as host, bringing together representatives from the House, Senate, Office of the President, security agencies, local government units, and other concerned offices.
The meeting covered logistical, security, protocol, and operational arrangements for the SONA, which is expected to draw high-level government officials and guests to the Session Hall of the House of Representatives.
The Senate delegation was led by Secretary Renato Bantug Jr., who expressed the chamber’s readiness to coordinate with all participating agencies to ensure the orderly and successful conduct of the event.
Representing the Office of the President, Chief of Presidential Protocol Undersecretary Reichel Quiñones thanked the House for hosting the initial coordination meeting and expressed confidence in its ability to organize the annual address.
This year’s SONA will be Marcos’ fifth since assuming office in 2022. It is scheduled on July 27, 2026, at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives.