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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider SONA season is here: The annual political spectacle every Pinoy has an opinion on

SONA season is here: The annual political spectacle every Pinoy has an opinion on

Published Jul 24, 2026 04:08 pm

At A Glance

  • The annual State of the Nation Address has become more than a presidential speech for Filipinos. From politics and policy to fashion, viral moments, and social media buzz, here's why SONA remains one of the country's biggest national spectacles and why GMA News is covering it extensively.

For Filipinos, the State of the Nation Address has long evolved into something far bigger than a constitutional obligation.

Sure, it's the President's yearly report card to the nation, laying out achievements, promises, and plans for the months ahead. But if history is any indication, the SONA is also that one political event that somehow doubles as the country's most talked-about, err, live show.

There are the inevitable fashion critiques of lawmakers and their spouses making their red carpet walk into the Batasang Pambansa. There are quotable sound bites that quickly become memes, dramatic walkouts, awkward photo opportunities, protests outside the venue, and the occasional eyebrow-raising interview that leaves viewers wondering whether they heard things correctly.

Before the President even begins speaking, social media has already crowned the best dressed, the worst dressed, and the first politician to go viral.

By the time the speech wraps up, Filipinos have dissected everything from economic promises and policy pronouncements to gowns, barongs, seating arrangements, facial expressions, and who managed to steal the spotlight without saying a word.

It's politics, yes. But it's also unmistakably pop culture.

Recognizing just how closely Filipinos follow every minute of the spectacle, GMA News is rolling out comprehensive, multi-platform coverage of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address on July 27.

Award-winning broadcast journalist Pia Arcangel will anchor the live special airing simultaneously on GMA and GTV, with livestreams available on the GMA News YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Coverage begins early through "Unang Balita" on "Unang Hirit," followed by continuous updates across GTV's "Dobol B TV," "Balitanghali," and "State of the Nation."

The network's flagship newscast "24 Oras" will present special reports examining the Marcos administration before delivering the day's major highlights, while "Saksi" wraps up the day's developments.

Viewers can also follow real-time updates through GMA News Online, its website, and official Facebook, X, and TikTok accounts.

Mobile users may access a live blog and end-of-day summary through the GMA News Online app.

Regional audiences can tune in through GMA Regional TV's local newscasts, while radio listeners can follow the proceedings via Super Radyo DZBB's special SONA coverage and its regional stations.

Overseas Filipinos, meanwhile, can watch through GMA Pinoy TV and GMA News TV.

Whether you're tuning in for the President's policy announcements, the political drama, the fashion parade, or simply to see which moment will dominate everyone's feeds by dinner time, one thing is certain: This side of paradise, SONA day is never just another Monday.

Related Tags

SONA 2026 State of the Nation Address 2026 Ferdinand Marcos Jr. President Marcos SONA GMA News Pia Arcangel SONA coverage Philippine politics Batasang Pambansa SONA fashion SONA red carpet Filipino politics SONA viral moments Marcos administration 24 Oras Unang Hirit Saksi GTV GMA News Online
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