Press Officer of Malacañang Reacts To Absence of Duterte in Marcos Jr.’s Upcoming 4th SONA
Malacañang spoke on the absence of Vice President Sara Duterte in the upcoming 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of Pres. Bongbong Marcos.
Just like in 2024 when Vice Pres. Sara Duterte did not attend the 3rd SONA of Pres. Bongbong Marcos, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) recently informed the House Secretary General’s office through a letter that Vice Pres. Duterte won’t be able to attend the 4th annual address of the Chief Executive.
According to House Secretary Gen. Reginald Velasco, their office has sent out the invitations to the 4th State of the Nation Address of Pres. Bongbong Marcos to the government officials and the dignitaries. The response of the OVP came shortly after the invitations were out and the reason for the absence of the Vice President was reportedly not stated.
The House Secretary General further said that only Duterte’s office had a negative response to the invitations as all the other invitees showed positive feedbacks that they will attend the 4th SONA of Pres. Bongbong Marcos. Recently, Malacañang revealed its side on Vice Pres. Sara Duterte ditching the annual address of the Chief Executive again.
Based on a report on PhilStar, Malacañang press undersecretary Claire Castro said it is no longer their fault if Vice Pres. Sara Duterte will fail to hear the programs and achievements of the Marcos administration. The Palace official further said it is already the choice of the Vice President if she will be absent on the 4th SONA of Pres. Bongbong Marcos.
“If she fails to hear the programs and accomplishments of President Marcos’ administration, it’s no longer our fault, it’s her choice,” Castro said.
Based on the report, the Malacañang official also recalled that Vice Pres. Sara Duterte allegedly preferred attending a wedding in 2024 over attending the 3rd SONA of Pres. Bongbong Marcos. Then, the Vice President referred to herself as the “designated survivor” which was a term used to refer to a government official who may be the lone survivor in case something happens at an event where most of the leaders of the state are.
According to the House Secretary General, the will still reserve a seat for Vice Pres. Sara Duterte at the 4th SONA of Pres. Bongbong Marcos before the joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives in case she changes her mind. Velasco also said they will prepare a holding room for Duterte and her staff as well allegedly like in the previous annual events.
Vice Pres. Sara Duterte is currently faced with a looming impeachment trial while her father, former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, is detained under the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Recently, Malacañang said Pres. Bongbong Marcos is open for talks on the Philippines rejoining the ICC.