Palace on VP Sara’s SONA absence: It’s her choice

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang yesterday shrugged off Vice President Sara Duterte’s decision to skip President Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) next month.

“If she fails to hear the programs and accomplishments of President Marcos’ administration, it’s no longer our fault, it’s her choice,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing.

The Vice President was also absent during the President’s SONA last year and instead attended a wedding, according to Castro.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said Duterte’s office sent a notice that she would not attend Marcos’ address on July 28.

Duterte’s absence from last year’s SONA drew flak after she referred to herself as a “designated survivor.”

Meanwhile, Castro was asked to comment on the Vice President’s latest personal trip, this time to Melbourne, Australia, for the “Free Duterte Now” rally scheduled on June 22.

“As far as I know, she celebrated her birthday in the Netherlands, that’s May 29, 30, 31 and she also had trips to Qatar and Kuala Lumpur, and now Australia. So, that’s four countries in less than a month,” Castro said.

“So, if our Vice President is busy with her personal trips or personal trips with her family, that’s the choice of the Vice President. As we’ve said, personal or for the country? That is the question,” she said.