VICE President Sara Duterte will again not attend the upcoming State of the Nation Address (Sona) of her estranged Uniteam tandem, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
In an interview with reporters in Melbourne, Australia, Duterte said she would rather spend her time with the Filipino communities than sit down and listen to Marcos’ Sona.
“I do not intend to attend the State of the Nation address of President Marcos. Since I don't think he will be providing anything substantial about our country, and it would be best to spend that time with the Filipino community discussing what we can do for the country and to improve the country,” she said.
Duterte was also no show during the third Sona of Marcos in 2024.
About their possible reconciliation, Duterte said she has not yet received any request for a meeting from the President’s camp.
“I have no ill feelings with him with regard to the political persecution that I am receiving from the administration. Because that is part of the life of a politician,” said Duterte.
“I have problems with his performance as president and I have problems with the violations of our fundamental law, our Constitution, particularly with the rendition of former President [Rodrigo] Duterte. That was really an affront to Philippine sovereignty,” she added.
Duterte also tagged Marcos as a person with a “hallmark of a scammer,” noting his inconsistent statement about various matters, including her impeachment.
“Well, good for him and we hope to see some sort of truth to his statement that he is focusing on helping our fellow Filipinos and doing something for the country. Unfortunately, if you talk to the ordinary citizens and the Filipino community abroad, we don't see anything at all,” she said.
“He gives conflicting statements thoroughly on the very first day of his administration. In fact, he has not followed through within any of his campaign promises. And that is an example of the conflicts with regard to our President. And well, budol in English is scam, no? Well, we are not. We're not surprised. He has the hallmark of a scammer,” she added. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)