Senator Imee Marcos has confirmed that she will not be attending the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., choosing instead to focus on relief efforts for communities affected by recent typhoons.
“Hindi na ako pupunta [sa SONA] dahil naka-schedule pa rin ang walang kamatayang Nutribun, Nutribus, at iba pang pagtulong sa ating mga nasalanta ng bagyo,” she told reporters on Monday, explaining that she will be visiting schools where children are waiting for food and school supplies.
Senator Marcos has been vocal about her differences with the President, particularly since March when she expressed disapproval over the administration’s stance on the International Criminal Court’s potential arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Since then, she has distanced herself from some of the administration’s policies.
The senator also mentioned that fellow senators Bong Go, Ronald dela Rosa, and Robin Padilla would likewise be absent from the annual address. It remains unclear whether Senator Rodante Marcoleta, another known Duterte ally, will attend.
Vice President Sara Duterte and her brother, Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte, have also opted not to attend the event.
