By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Imee Marcos opted not to attend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, saying their absence was a symbolic protest against what they described as threats to democracy and the alleged political persecution of administration critics.
Instead of joining lawmakers inside the Batasan complex, Cayetano said he would listen to the President’s address from another venue. Wearing an all-black outfit, he described the gesture as a protest against what he claimed were growing poverty, corruption, and the prosecution and detention of individuals critical of the government.
Cayetano also questioned the country’s democratic condition, citing what he alleged was the continued filing of cases against political opponents. He further raised concerns over what he described as the possibility of an “undeclared martial law” and urged Malacañang to categorically assure the public that the 2028 national elections will proceed as scheduled, that there will be no Charter change, and that the Senate will remain intact.
He likewise expressed concern over reports suggesting that the number of votes required to convict Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial could be reduced to 16, saying such discussions have fueled public apprehension.
Senator Imee Marcos likewise skipped the SONA at the Batasang Pambansa, saying she would follow the President’s speech from another location, as she did last year. She said her decision was also a protest against what she described as the filing of criminal cases and the detention of members of the Senate minority bloc.
Marcos specifically cited Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta, who are currently detained while facing plunder charges. She reiterated her call to “fight for what is right and correct what is wrong,” saying it reflects the position of several lawmakers aligned with the minority.
She also disclosed that several senators were expected to skip the President’s annual address, including Senators Loren Legarda, Pia Cayetano, and Robin Padilla.
Earlier in the day, Senator Pia Cayetano formally informed the Senate that she would not attend the SONA, although no explanation was provided for her absence.
As of press time, Senators Camille Villar, Mark Villar, and Christopher “Bong” Go, who are also identified with the minority bloc, had yet to announce whether they would attend the President’s annual address.
ia/xf
