Manila, July 22 -- Malacanang has directed law enforcement and concerned government agencies to ensure the peaceful, safe and orderly conduct of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, while respecting the constitutional rights of citizens.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto issued the directive during a meeting with the government's security cluster on Tuesday, as the government ramps up preparations for the President's penultimate address before a joint session of Congress.

Recto instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to further strengthen coordination on security, traffic management and crowd control, with particular focus...