THE House of Representatives is prepared to welcome Vice President Sara Duterte should she decide to attend President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, despite her formal notice that she will not be present.
House spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante said Monday that the House remains open to all government officials, including the Vice President, and emphasized the importance of her role in witnessing the President’s annual report before Congress and the Filipino people.
“Ready naman po ang House of Representatives to welcome all officials of the government to attend the SONA,” Abante said in response to a reporter’s question during a press conference.
“Especially bilang isang Vice President, dapat din kasama sa kanyang tungkulin na makinig sa magiging report ng ating Presidente. The House of Representatives is ready to welcome her to attend and listen to the report of the President,” she added.
Abante’s statement follows confirmation from House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” S. Velasco last week that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) sent a letter indicating that Duterte would not attend the SONA for the second year in a row.
Despite this, Velasco said preparations would proceed as usual, including setting up a designated seat at the VIP gallery and a holding room for the Vice President and her staff should she change her mind.
No reason was provided by the OVP for her absence, but Velasco noted that all other invited government officials had already confirmed their attendance.
President Marcos is expected to deliver his SONA before a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City—a constitutional tradition that serves as the President’s most important annual report to the nation.
The SONA outlines the administration’s key accomplishments, addresses pressing national challenges and sets the policy and legislative direction for the coming year.
