As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prepares for his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 28 in Quezon City, one absence will again capture attention: Vice President Sara Duterte’s. For the second consecutive year, Duterte will skip the Marcos Sona, citing a lack of significance in the event.
“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,” Duterte shared in a June interview. Despite reminders that attending the Sona is part of her duties as the second highest official of the land, she firmly stated, “He is the one with the duty; we have no obligation to listen. We have the right to listen or not to listen. There is no law requiring us to hear the President’s Sona,” speaking in Filipino.
Currently in South Korea, Duterte is set to return to the Philippines on the very day of the Sona, ensuring her absence.
Political Rift Deepens as Duterte Skips Marcos Sona
In Philippine politics, where symbolism often holds great weight, Duterte’s absence reflects a deeper political divide. The once-strong UniTeam alliance between Marcos and Duterte, formed in 2021 to unite the north and south, has begun to unravel.
The duo’s joint victory in the May 2022 elections marked a historic tandem win for the presidency and vice presidency. Yet cracks emerged as Duterte revealed that Marcos chose her largely to counter former Vice President Leni Robredo’s rising popularity with the “pink movement.” The alliance visibly frayed after Duterte resigned as chairperson of Lakas-CMD in May 2023 following the demotion of a key ally, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Shortly after, Duterte posted a telling Instagram selfie captioned, “In your ambition, do not be tambaloslos,” a phrase some interpret as a jab at Speaker Martin Romualdez, Marcos’ cousin.
Ongoing Fallout and Midterm Election Impact
The feud between the Marcos and Duterte camps has shaped the political landscape, especially during the 2025 midterm elections where candidates backed by each camp competed fiercely. The impeachment efforts stalled after a Supreme Court ruling but continue to cast a shadow.
Duterte’s frequent travels abroad—marking her birthday in The Hague, joining rallies, and visiting Filipino communities in Malaysia, Australia, South Korea, and soon Kuwait—signal her ongoing active presence in politics despite her official role.
Looking Ahead: Duterte’s Political Future
With three years left in her vice presidency, Duterte clearly shares political space with President Marcos but remains defiant. Though she has not formally declared her plans for 2028, she confirmed having her father’s blessing to run.
Her continued absence from Marcos’ key events, including the Sona, suggests a widening rift that could influence Philippine politics for years. Whether this division leads to reconciliation or fuels a Duterte resurgence remains uncertain. However, Philippine political history often shows that such conflicts can repeat themselves.
For more news and updates on Vice President Sara Duterte’s political moves, visit Filipinokami.com.
