Quick facts: SONA 2026

President Marcos has two more State of the Nation Addresses (SONAs) left to deliver, with the penultimate one coming this Monday, July 27 at the House of Representatives before a joint session of Congress. Will the leader from Ilocandia opt to go on autopilot from now on and avoid conflict? Or will he ruffle feathers anew with a memorable line akin to last year's "Mahiya naman kayo (Have some shame)?" The answer to these questions are unknown, unlike the following tidbits about Marcos' SONA 2026. - Like last year's SONA, this year's event will follow a "simple but dignified theme". This was announced by House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil last June 9, a day after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Sarangani and other parts of Mindanao. - Garafil said there will be no red carpet for the SONA. Traditionally, the red carpet gala for the guests is a highlight of the event. - Barring a dramatic turn of events, Vice President Sara Duterte won't be attending the SONA. She's abroad and won't be back until July 31. The last time she attended a SONA was in 2023, when she and Marcos were still political allies. - Garafil admitted that the House as an institution was...