Malacañang on Monday said the decision of some Senate minority members to skip President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) does not indicate instability in the administration.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President’s annual address will proceed as scheduled despite the absence of some lawmakers, emphasizing that the focus should remain on Marcos’ report to the public.
“Dahil absent lang sila, magkakaroon ng instability? Hindi. Ang importante dito, ang ulat ng Pangulo,” Castro told reporters.
She said the public’s interest in hearing the President’s message remains more important than the attendance of some senators.
“Mag-absent man sila, magbakasyon man sila, pumunta man sila sa ibang bansa, ang importante dito, ang tao makikinig sa Pangulo,” she added.
Castro issued the statement after several senators from the minority bloc, including Sen. Imee Marcos, announced that they would not attend the President’s SONA.
The Palace said the absence of the lawmakers would not affect the conduct of the event, which is expected to highlight the administration’s accomplishments, ongoing programs, and priorities.
“So, sa mga taong walang interes at maybe ayaw nilang madinig ang Pangulo, hindi sila kawalan. Matutuloy at matutuloy ang SONA kahit wala sila,” Castro said.
Meanwhile, Castro said the government is prepared for protests expected to take place during SONA day.
She added that while the administration respects the public’s right to express their views, any attempt to destabilize the government will not be tolerated.
Photo courtesy of PH Senate
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