MANILA, Philippines, The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) confirmed that four groups are preparing to hold protests during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona), scheduled for July 20, 2026. The announcement came as part of ongoing preparations for the annual event, which takes place every fourth Monday of July and serves as the president’s official report on the nation’s economic and social condition. According to NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo, the police office is currently working to finalize the permitted locations for these demonstrations. “We’re still finalizing the allotted rally locations based on the permit that would be approved because we’re still knowing how many attendees they are expecting,” she explained during a phone interview. Asilo noted that the police are monitoring four groups that have applied for rally permits in Quezon City. However, she did not specify the names of these groups at this time. The Sona, a key political event in the Philippines, typically draws large crowds and often becomes a focal point for public dissent. This year’s address will mark the fifth such speech by President Marcos, who took office in June 2022. Security for the event has been a major concern, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) announcing earlier that over 20,000 officers will be deployed to ensure safety during the proceedings. Asilo outlined that the police are still determining which roads will need to be closed off around key areas, including the Batasang Pambansa complex, the Edsa Shrine, and major avenues such as Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue, and Katipunan Avenue. These decisions will depend on the number of participants expected at each protest site. The police have emphasized their commitment to maintaining order while allowing peaceful assembly. “For now, we’re still ironing out the details of which roads to close,” Asilo said. The process involves assessing potential risks and ensuring that both protesters and spectators can move safely through the city. This is not the first time that protests have taken place during the Sona. Past years have seen varying levels of public engagement, with some demonstrations being relatively small and others drawing widespread attention. The current situation reflects the continued interest in using the Sona as a platform for political expression. The NCRPO has not yet released specific information regarding the nature of the planned protests or the organizations behind them. While the police are aware of the groups applying for permits, they have chosen not to disclose their identities at this stage. This approach aligns with standard procedures for handling sensitive security matters. The deployment of over 20,000 police officers underscores the scale of the security operation. The PNP has coordinated with local authorities to manage traffic, provide crowd control, and respond to any incidents that may arise. The presence of such a large force indicates the level of caution being exercised ahead of the event. As the date approaches, further details about the protests and the security arrangements are expected to emerge. The NCRPO will continue to update the public on its progress, particularly concerning the allocation of spaces for demonstrations and the implementation of safety protocols.
3 reports
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 9516 hr. agoThe resumption of the Philippine Congress on July 27 for the president's State of the Nation Address will not conflict with the ongoing Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, according to Rep. Rodge Gutierrez. He noted that the prosecution panel members had already been managing trial work alongside their roles as House members during the congressional recess. The trial schedule has been adjusted to 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Monday to Wednesday to accommodate the House plenary session. Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V stated that the House could manage its legislative work despite lawmakers' involvement in the trial, though it might require extended working hours.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information from both Rep. Rodge Gutierrez and Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V, providing balanced perspectives on how the resumption of Congress and the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will be managed. There is no evident bias in the framing or sourcing,
Why factuality (90): This article discusses the scheduling of Congress and the impeachment trial, citing statements from Rep. Rodge Gutierrez. It provides clear details about the planned changes and confirms no conflict between sessions. As it focuses on procedural matters rather than contentious political claims, it is
Why objectivity (95): The article is exceptionally objective, presenting facts without bias or emotional language. It reports on legislative procedures and schedules without taking sides, maintaining a neutral and informative tone throughout.
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 805 days ago NCRPO: 4 groups plan protests during Marcos’ 5th SonaThe National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced that four groups are planning to hold protests during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona). The police are still finalizing the specific locations for these rallies, as they await approval of the permits and information on expected attendance. The NCRPO spokesperson noted that the groups have applied for permits in Quezon City, but did not disclose their identities. The Sona, held annually on the fourth Monday of July, allows the president to address the nation on economic and social issues. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed over 20,000 officers for security during the event, focusing on key areas such as Batasang Pambansa, Edsa Shrine, and major avenues.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about planned protests and police preparations without overtly endorsing or criticizing any political group or ideology. It focuses on procedural updates and security measures rather than taking a partisan stance. The framing remains neutral, providing equal,
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports that the NCRPO identified four groups planning protests during the 5th Sona, based on their permit requests. The information is sourced directly from the NCRPO spokesperson, making it reliable and consistent with the primary source document.
Why objectivity (80): While the article provides factual information, it slightly leans towards highlighting the potential for protest activity, which may imply a minor bias in framing the situation. However, it remains largely objective in its reporting.
GMA News OnlineIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 854 days agoThe National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has announced plans to deploy over 20,000 police officers during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), which is expected to take place in Manila. The deployment aims to ensure security and order throughout the event, which is a major annual political gathering in the Philippines. The announcement highlights the scale of law enforcement involvement in national political events, reflecting the importance placed on maintaining public safety during such occasions. No specific details were provided regarding the exact locations or duration of the deployment.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the planned police deployment for a political event without overtly favoring any particular political stance. It focuses on the logistical aspect of security rather than taking a position on the policies or outcomes of the event itself.
Why factuality (75): The article reports that over 20,000 police officers will be deployed for security during the 2026 SONA, citing the NCRPO. This aligns with the primary source document which mentions security preparations and police deployment. However, the article does not reference the specific primary source dire
Why objectivity (85): The article presents the information neutrally, focusing on the facts provided by the NCRPO. It avoids taking sides or expressing personal opinions about the protests or the political implications of the Sona.
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