President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28 was marked by the noticeable absence of several key political figures, including his own sister, Senator Imee Marcos, and several allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Senator Imee Marcos confirmed her nonattendance in a statement, explaining that her decision was in solidarity with the so-called “Duterte bloc” in the Senate.
“Hindi, nakikiisa lamang ako sa Duterte Bloc po at hindi naman talaga pupunta,” said the presidential sister.
Among those who also skipped the annual address were Senators Robin Padilla, Bong Go, and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa—all known allies of the former President.
Senator Go clarified that he did not deliberately boycott the event. He said he was suffering from a severe back spasm and had to consult his doctor. Despite his absence, Go assured the public that he listened to the President’s speech.
“Wala man ako doon physically, papakinggan ko pa din ang SONA dahil parte naman yun ng responsibilidad ko bilang senador…” Go said.
Senator Robin Padilla, however, was more direct, stating that his absence was an act of protest against the detention of former President Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Duterte is currently in custody at Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, Netherlands, facing charges related to his controversial war on drugs.
“Ngunit ang pagdalo sa kaniyang SONA ay hindi ko magagawa bilang protesta habang si dating Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte ay nasa piitan at napipintong husgahan sa isang banyagang hukuman,” said Padilla, while expressing continued support for the administration’s programs that benefit the Muslim community.
Senator Bato dela Rosa had earlier stated that he would not attend the SONA either, explaining that he did not want to be “plastic” and pretend he had good relations with certain administration officials.
In the House of Representatives, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, along with his son, Davao City 2nd District Rep. Omar Duterte, and cousin, PPP Party-list Rep. Harold Duterte, were also absent.
Despite these high-profile absences, several lawmakers aligned with the Duterte family—including Senators Rodante Marcoleta, Mark Villar, and Camille Villar—were present at the event.