Sara Duterte declines VP invite for SONA, criticizes Marcos' projects

Vice President Sara Duterte said she has no plans to watch President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Duterte stated that watching SONA wastes mobile data and triggers negative emotions, preferring instead to read the speech later.

She questioned several of Marcos' projects, including flood control measures and the administration's stance on the West Philippine Sea.

Duterte is currently in South Korea attending a Filipino community gathering to advocate for the release of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained in The Hague.

In 2024, Sara also did not attend Marcos' third SONA, citing herself as the 'designated survivor'.

The Palace confirmed that they extended an invitation to Sara's office but respected her decision if she chose not to attend.

Senator Imee Marcos and other Duterte-allied politicians have similarly announced their intention not to attend this year's SONA.