LIVE UPDATES: Pres. Marcos' 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA), July 27, 2026

The roads around Malacañang, including Mendiola Street, were strictly secured by authorities ahead of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

As early as Sunday night, the roads around the Palace were already closed, according to a report by Gabriel Gonzales on Unang Balita.

At 4 a.m. Monday, 1,500 policemen from Calabarzon were deployed on Recto Avenue to secure Mendiola Street which leads directly to Malacañang.

Mendiola Street itself has been barricaded by barbed wires, concrete barriers, and two container vans to prevent rallyists from coming near the Palace.

The following roads were closed to motorists since Sunday:

•     Recto Avenue from Loyola Street to Mendiola Peace Arch
•     Legarda Street from Figueras Street to San Rafael Street
•     Ayala Bridge -- both sides were barricaded with barbed wires and container vans
•     Ayala Blvd. eastbound from San Marcelino Street to Romualdez Street
•     Magallanes Drive at Liwasang Bonifacio from Jones Bridge to MacArthur Bridge
•     MacArthur Bridge southbound from Plaza Lacson to Liwasang Bonifacio
•     Quezon Boulevard southbound from A. Mendoza Street to Quezon Bridge
•     Lerma Street southbound from Espana Blvd.-P. Campa Street to A. Mendoza Street

Authorities urged motorists to use alternate routes

Meanwhile, the Manila Police District could not confirm yet which groups are expected to troop to Mendiola to conduct rallies on Monday. —KG, GMA News

Hours before President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. delivers his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, security was already tight at Batasang Pambansa Complex, Batasan Road, and Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

Marcos will deliver his SONA at the plenary hall of the House of Representatives in Batasang Pambansa at 4 p.m.

On Batasan Road, personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) were already on site since Sunday night, according to a report of Bam Alegre on Unang Balita.

The situation has been quiet and peaceful overnight around Batasang Pambansa Complex.

Near the gate of the complex, security personnel implemented strict security measures.

More than 900 PNP and BFP personnel were stationed at the corner going to Batasang Pambansa Complex.

MMDA personnel meanwhile were deployed in front of Sandiganbayan at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Batasan Road.

The MMDA already had its ambulance and mobile command center set up in the area.

A live band setup was also being prepared on Batasan Road as of posting time but it was not clear what it is for.

K9 units

Meanwhile, vehicles entering the Batasang Pambansa Complex on Monday were subjected to manual and X-ray inspections, according to a report by Ivan Mayrina on Unang Balita.

K9 units of the PNP Explosives and Ordnance Division were seen going around the complex.

Personnel of the Presidential Security Command were also at the premises early to check on the surroundings.

Commonwealth Avenue

Meanwhile, at Philcoa on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, around 300 policemen were deployed on the eastbound lane past 6 a.m., according to a report by EJ Gomez on Unang Balita.

A tent and command center, as well as five firetrucks, were also stationed in the area.

Rallyists are expected to converge on Commonwealth Avenue to conduct their protest actions against Marcos' SONA.

BAYAN Southern Tagalog is expected to have their rally at 7 a.m., followed by BAYAN Central at 8 a.m. in front of the Department of Agrarian Reform.

The PNP appealed to rallyists to ensure that their protest actions will be peaceful.

The police force will also observe maximum tolerance.

More than 20,000 police officers were deployed for SONA 2026.

The National Capital Region Police Office has been on full alert for Monday's SONA.

Meanwhile, commuters chose to travel early to avoid getting caught in traffic due to the SONA. —KG, GMA News