House is ready for SONA 2026

The House of Representatives on Tuesday declared its readiness to host President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, following a final inspection of the plenary hall and weeks of preparations.

House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" G. Dy III joined House officials in a final run-through and inspection of the plenary hall, saying all preparations have been completed for one of the country's most significant constitutional events.

"Tungkulin nating tiyakin na ang bawat aspeto ng SONA ay magiging maayos, ligtas, at karapat-dapat sa kahalagahan ng okasyong ito. Mahalaga ang araw na ito hindi lamang para sa pamahalaan kundi para sa bawat Pilipino, dahil ito ang pagkakataong magbigay ang Pangulo ng ulat sa kalagayan ng bansa at ng direksiyong ating tatahakin. Handa na ang Kamara para sa ikalimang State of the Nation Address ng Pangulo," Dy said.

Dy added that the House and the Office of the President had agreed to keep this year's SONA "simple but dignified," in keeping with the significance of the annual address.

The final inspection came after the last inter-agency coordination meeting involving officials from the House of Representatives, the Office of the President, and the Senate, where operational and logistical arrangements for the SONA were finalized.

"We're all set," House Secretary General Atty. Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil earlier said, noting that discussions focused on the remaining logistical concerns, including seating arrangements for dignitaries and viewing rooms for guests who could not be accommodated inside the plenary hall.

Garafil previously led officials from the Office of the President in inspecting the route President Marcos will take from the rear entrance of the House of Representatives complex to the plenary hall, where he is scheduled to deliver his fifth SONA.

Officials also inspected other key areas of the House complex to review facility upgrades completed ahead of the annual address including the completed second and third floors of the Main Building, upgraded hallways and common areas, and the new al fresco lounges for members and guests.

The House said the historic plenary hall has likewise been fully prepared to host the joint session of Congress.

The House said around 30 medical personnel from its Medical and Dental Service will be deployed across the complex, with additional teams from St. Luke's Medical Center, Diliman Doctors Hospital, the Philippine Heart Center, and East Avenue Medical Center.

Emergency responders from the Department of Health, local government units, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine National Police will also be on standby during the President's address.