The House of Representatives will welcome Vice President Sara Duterte if she decides to attend President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), the House Spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante said.
Abante said in a press conference on Wednesday, June 25, that Congress would respect whatever decision the Vice President chooses, regarding the upcoming SONA on July 28. Although it has become a tradition for the previous vice presidents to attend the SONA, the House Spokesperson said VP Duterte still has the right to decide if she would attend.
RH Milky Rigonan reported that it is protocol for the Vice President to attend the President’s SONA, along with other government officials.
“Bilang Pangalawang Pangulo ng ating bansa, i-wewelcome din naman talaga natin ang kanyang pag-attend,” she expressed. “Maganda ‘yan para sa ating bansa na makita na lahat ay ready na makinig kung saan tayo papunta sa susunod na termino ng ating mga opisyales sa panibagong taon na hinaharap ng ating administrasyon; sa mga programa na pwede nating masuportahan para sa bagong Pilipinas sa pangunguna ni President [Ferdinand] “Bongbong” Marcos.”
“We would welcome, I believe, because she is the Vice President,” Abante added.
Subsequently, Bulacan fifth District Rep. Agatha Paula “Agay” Cruz said she would also welcome the Vice President.
“Oo naman po. Napakaganda po non kung mag-aattend ang ating Bise Presidente. Very very much welcome and ako, I’d be personally excited to see her,” she said.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco previously confirmed that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) informed his office that VP Duterte would not attend the upcoming SONA in July. This was before the former’s office sent out the invites for attendees.
Despite this, Velasco clarified that the Vice President’s seat would remain reserved for her at the VIP gallery, including a holding area for her and her staff.
