President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not mention the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte during his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, according to Representative Leila de Lima. De Lima noted that while the omission was expected, Marcos could have used the occasion to highlight the importance of accountability (rappler.com).
Several key figures were absent from the event, including Vice President Duterte, who was abroad, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Members of the minority bloc also failed to attend, with only Senator Camille Villar present. Senator Robin Padilla, a member of the minority bloc, stated he would not attend the Sona, further underscoring the political tensions surrounding the address (newsinfo.inquirer.net).
The absence of prominent officials and the lack of mention of the impeachment trial have raised questions about the transparency and political priorities of the administration. As the Sona typically serves as a platform for addressing national issues, its omission of key topics has sparked discussions about the event’s significance and impact.
