SOME members of the Senate minority bloc on Monday skipped President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) as part of their protest over the detention of Sens. Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, in an interview, said he would not attend the SONA as a “simple way of protesting.” “The minority have yet to talk but ... I prefer to just watch it on TV. That may be more comfortable for the administration and that, as well as wearing black, is my simple way of protesting,” Cayetano said.
“I really believe that our democracy is in danger and that if you speak against the administration, you will be targeted,” he added.
Sen. Imee Marcos said she is disheartened over the treatment of her colleagues in the minority bloc.
“I will listen to the SONA, but we are deeply upset because members of the minority are being jailed and facing cases. I can’t accept it — I really feel bad about it,” the senator said.
Imee said that several colleagues might also skip the event.
It was not the first time Imee did not attend the SONA. In 2025, she also opted to skip her brother’s speech.
Imee, the Cayetano siblings, and Legarda wore black during the opening of the second regular session of the 20th Congress to protest the detention of Estrada and Marcoleta.
Estrada and Marcoleta are facing plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan.
Meanwhile, Sen. Pia Cayetano’s staff confirmed that she will not attend the 2026 SONA.
