No Class Suspension for Marcos’ 5th SONA: Fact Check Debunks Viral Social Media Claims

Despite widespread rumors on social media, no nationwide class suspension has been declared for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), according to a fact-check report by Rappler.

The false claims, which began circulating online in the days leading up to the July 27 address, suggested that all public schools and government offices would be closed to accommodate the event. However, authorities have confirmed that no such directive has been issued by Malacañang or the Department of Education.

What the Fact Check Revealed

Rappler’s investigation traced the origin of the misinformation to unverified social media posts and chain messages. The fact-check found:

• No official announcement from the Office of the President regarding a nationwide class suspension
• No memorandum from the Department of Education (DepEd) canceling classes
• No coordination with local government units for a blanket suspension

“The claim that there is a nationwide class suspension for the SONA is false,” Rappler stated in its report. “Only localized suspensions, if any, would be declared by local government units in areas directly affected by the event’s security and traffic protocols.”

Context: SONA Security and Protests

The fact check comes amid heightened security measures for the annual address. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed thousands of personnel to secure the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City, where the SONA is being delivered.

PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo defended the security presence, stating that the deployment is not “overkill” but necessary given the potential for protests and disruptions. “We are ensuring the safety of all attendees, lawmakers, and the public,” Fajardo told reporters.

Meanwhile, police reported that 51 protesters were arrested for vandalism and other law violations during demonstrations linked to the SONA. The arrests highlight the ongoing tensions between government supporters and opposition groups, who have used the annual address as a platform to voice grievances.

Why Misinformation Spreads

The false class suspension claim taps into a recurring pattern during major national events. Similar rumors have circulated during previous SONAs, as well as during elections and natural disasters.

Social media analyst Dr. Maria Santos, a professor of communication studies at the University of the Philippines, explained the phenomenon: “People share these posts out of convenience or hope. A class suspension is seen as a welcome break, so the information spreads quickly without verification. It’s a classic example of how emotional appeal overrides critical thinking.”

The Department of Education has repeatedly urged the public to rely only on official channels for announcements regarding class suspensions.

Implications for Public Trust

The spread of such misinformation, even when quickly debunked, erodes public trust in both media and government institutions. When false claims circulate widely, they create confusion and force authorities to divert resources toward clarification rather than focusing on the actual event.

For journalists and fact-checkers, the challenge is growing. With the rise of AI-generated content and sophisticated disinformation campaigns, verifying even simple claims requires constant vigilance.

Looking Ahead

As President Marcos delivers his fifth SONA, the focus remains on his legislative agenda and policy priorities. However, the fact check serves as a reminder for the public to verify information before sharing.

For those wondering about class schedules: unless your local government unit or school has issued a specific announcement, classes will proceed as usual. The only confirmed suspensions are those directly related to security zones in Quezon City, and even those are localized.

In an era of information overload, the simplest rule still applies: when in doubt, check the source. Official announcements from DepEd, Malacañang, or local government websites remain the most reliable indicators of any class suspension.