Vice President Sara Duterte has confirmed she will not attend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, choosing instead to join a gathering of Filipinos in South Korea.
In an ambush interview in The Hague, where she is currently visiting her detained father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Vice President disclosed, “No SONA for me kasi confirmed na ang Korea natin na Filipino gathering.”
Her absence from the SONA comes as no surprise. Last June in Melbourne, she openly declared her disinterest in attending the President’s annual address, claiming, “I don’t think he will be providing anything substantial about our country.”
Duterte’s decision marks another clear rift between the country’s top two leaders, who once ran on a shared platform of unity in 2022. The relationship soured after Duterte left Marcos’ Cabinet last year, citing a “toxic” working environment and policy differences.
The Vice President has been spending time overseas in recent months, reaching out to Filipino communities and thanking them for their support, particularly after the arrest of her father by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Rodrigo Duterte was taken into custody on March 11 after returning from Hong Kong and is now detained in The Hague, where he faces allegations of crimes against humanity over his bloody war on drugs. A hearing to confirm the charges is scheduled for September 23.
Speaking about her father’s condition, Duterte said he has lost significant weight. “Payat siya. Sobrang payat siya na hindi niyo pa siya nakita na ganito kapayat,” she told supporters, though she added that she prefers this slimmer version of him, saying it’s healthier than his previous heavyset frame.
She explained that the former president’s weight loss stems mainly from a lack of appetite and unfamiliar food. “Dahil talaga ‘yun sa appetite, loss of appetite… hindi traditonal Filipino food ‘yung mayroon dito para sa kanya,” she said.
Duterte will remain in The Hague until July 23 before heading to South Korea. Her father’s longtime partner, Honeylet Avanceña, is expected to follow shortly after.