Cebu groups burn effigy, decry PBBM’s 5th SONA

Cebu progressive groups ended their “SONA sa Katawhan 2026” mobilization by burning an effigy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., calling for accountability and an end to corruption hours before the president’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), July 27.

Organized by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Central Visayas, the rally gathered hundreds of protesters from multisectoral groups as it seeks to present the people’s assessment of the country’s condition.

They also highlighted issues focusing on poverty, low wages, rising prices, flooding, corruption, public debt, and sovereignty issues against the U.S.

The protesters marched from Cebu Provincial Capitol to Colon Street, with protesters raising concerns about police presence throughout the mobilization as an attempt to intimidate dissenters.

According to Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Police Colonel Ricky Sumalde, the deployment was made to maintain peace and order, as officers were told to exercise maximum tolerance.

The frog-like effigy of Marcos, labeled as “Hari ng Korapsyon,” carrying Vice President Sara Duterte, labeled as “Reyna ng Korapsyon,” depicted their criticism of the administration’s performance.  

The mobilization concluded with the effigy being surrounded by the protesters and then set on fire.

The SONA aims to report on the country’s current condition, outline legislative priorities, and set the government’s agenda, delivered via speech by the president.