The Batasan Pambansa complex will be placed on lockdown starting July 23 as final preparations ramp up for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, a House official said.

Retired Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Melchor dela Cruz, head of the House Sergeant-at-Arms, said a final walkthrough has been scheduled on July 25 as part of the preparations inside the complex.

Dela Cruz said coordination with the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies is ongoing to ensure security during the annual address.

He added that authorities have not monitored any specific security threats so far but stressed that they are not taking any chances.

“We cannot afford na magkaroon ng security glitches and of course hindi lang sa security side ang kailangan pagtuonan namin ng pansin, also yung sa safety if ever may mga unfortunate o unexpected na pangyayari,” dela Cruz said.

Apart from ensuring the safety of the president and attendees, he said contingency plans are also in place in case of adverse weather conditions or other natural calamities.

Meanwhile, invitations have already been sent out to guests who will attend the SONA.

Earlier, House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil said this year’s SONA would be “simple and low-key,” with attendees encouraged to wear barong Tagalog and Filipiniana dresses instead of long gowns.