Vice President Sara Duterte is expected to be absent from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, according to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco. The announcement comes amid renewed talk of political tensions and shifting alliances ahead of the opening of the 20th Congress.
On the same day, President Marcos flew to Osaka, Japan, around 1 p.m., to attend preparatory events for the World Expo 2025, as confirmed by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.
Meanwhile, the Marcos administration signaled openness to engage in discussions about rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC), following a call by UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan. Castro told reporters during a briefing that the President “is open to talks” on the matter, marking a possible policy shift.
At the House of Representatives, the recent return of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Duterte has fueled speculation about a potential refiling. Incoming Senator Erwin Tulfo hinted that some lawmakers are considering it, though nothing is confirmed yet.
In the upper chamber, former Senate President and incoming Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III acknowledged ongoing conversations about a leadership shake-up, but declined to elaborate when pressed by reporters during his visit to the Senate on Thursday.
