Manila, July 25 -- As President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. prepares to deliver his penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, efforts to curb corruption in government, sustain economic gains, and protect the Philippine territory are expected to shape his annual report to the nation.

Speaking to reporters in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Friday, Marcos said his speech is more than "90 percent" complete but remains subject to possible revisions.

He said he would discuss the government's efforts to "navigate this very difficult period" in Philippine history, as the country faces various external challenges, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Other key developments to watch are the government's response to conc...