VP Sara Duterte declines 4th SONA invitation

Vice President Sara Duterte will not attend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, according to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.

In a letter received by the House, the Office of the Vice President declined the invitation without providing any reason.

Duterte's absence follows her previous decision to skip Marcos's third SONA last year after resigning from his cabinet due to tense relations between their families.

The House impeached Duterte in February on charges including graft and corruption, allegations she denies.

Despite former President Rodrigo Duterte's detention at The Hague for a crimes against humanity case, Velasco confirmed that invitations will still be extended as part of protocol.

Security personnel from various agencies inspected the Batasang Pambansa to ensure safety for the upcoming SONA, with no security threats reported so far.

Congressmen criticized Duterte's statement, which she referred to as a 'designated survivor,' causing unnecessary alarm among the public.