Celebrities and personalities who attended the 2026 SONA
During President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 27, the usual fashion spectacle was absent.
Similar to the 2025 SONA, the House of Representatives scrapped the traditional red-carpet pageantry in favor of restraint and modesty. Still, even without it, it was impossible not to spot the usual parade of celebrities, public figures, and high-profile personalities who turned heads as they arrived at the Batasang Pambansa Complex.
Spouses and partners of elected officials—long considered red-carpet staples—stepped into low-key roles. Among them were Audrey Zubiri, wife of Senator Migz Zubiri; Kathy Pimintel, wife of former senator Koko Pimintel; and Xandra Rocha-Araneta, wife of the Presidential nephew Luis Marcos Araneta.
Celebrities include Yassi Pressman, who recently got engaged to Pili Rep. Luigi Villafuerte, former senator and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, and GMA Network's Senior Vice President, Annette Gozon-Valdes.
Some celebrity politicians were also in attendance, including Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez, and Bayambang Mayor Nina Jose-Quiambao.
Meanwhile, the plenary hall noted several absences. Vice President Sara Duterte skipped the address for the third consecutive year as she travels in the United Kingdom. Other notable absent figures include Senator Bato dela Rosa, who remains in hiding, and Senators Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada, who are currently detained.
Minority senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, and Loren Legarda were no-shows for the afternoon address, despite having attended the formal opening of the regular session earlier in the day.
Last year, a memo from House Secretary General Reginald Velasco stated that the area where the red carpet was originally located would only be for entry and official greetings. There were no special photo areas that showed what VIPs wore.
Guests were asked to wear formal attire, and traditional Filipino clothing, like barong or Filipiniana, was encouraged.