The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has confirmed that four groups have expressed their intention to secure permits to stage rallies during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on 27 July.

NCRPO spokesperson PMaj. Hazel Asilo said the four groups have applied for rally permits with the Quezon City government.

She said the NCRPO will not yet disclose the identities of the groups planning to hold demonstrations on the day of the SoNA.

Asilo added that authorities are finalizing traffic management plans, including road closures around the Batasang Pambansa Complex, EDSA Shrine, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue and parts of Katipunan Avenue.

About 20,000 personnel from the NCRPO, its support units and other government agencies will be deployed to secure the annual address.

President Marcos is expected to deliver his fourth SoNA amid mounting political and economic challenges confronting his administration.

Among the issues expected to dominate public discussion is the alleged flood control scandal, following congressional inquiries into billions of pesos worth of flood mitigation projects that lawmakers and critics said failed to prevent widespread flooding despite years of government spending.

The controversy has triggered calls for greater accountability and transparency in the implementation of public infrastructure projects.

The administration also continues to face criticism over unfulfilled campaign promises, particularly Marcos’ pledge to bring the retail price of rice down to P20 per kilo.

Although the government has rolled out subsidized rice programs in selected areas, rice prices in most public markets remain well above that level, with inflation, supply concerns and production costs continuing to weigh on consumers.

Other issues expected to be raised by protest groups include the rising cost of living, wage increases, public transportation, disaster preparedness, peace and order, illegal drugs, and the government’s response to recent natural disasters.

Demonstrations during the SoNA have long served as a platform for various sectors to press their demands and air grievances before the national government, prompting authorities to implement heightened security measures around the Batasang Pambansa Complex and other traditional protest sites.