Senator Robin Padilla thanked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for using more Filipino in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying it helped ordinary Filipinos better understand the administration’s plans for the remaining years of his term.

“Maraming salamat sa ating Pangulo at mas marami ang wikang Pilipino sa kanyang talumpati,” Padilla said in a social media post.

“Mas naintindihan namin mga hampaslupa ang kanyang mga nais isagawa sa loob ng natitira niyang termino,” he added.

Padilla, however, was not present during Marcos’ 2026 SONA at the Batasang Pambansa, along with some minority senators. He later clarified that he had a prior appointment on the day of the address.

In a separate post, the senator also denied speculations that his absence was a sign of disrespect toward the President.

Padilla said he wanted to clear up “wrong assumptions” and claims that he had disrespected the SONA.

He said he has been a “personal friend” of Marcos since the President’s return to the Philippines.

Padilla explained that he chose not to attend to avoid drawing attention away from the President, referring to the 2024 SONA where he drew public attention after remaining seated during some moments of applause.

“Iwasan ko na muling makakuha ng pansin o ‘umagaw ng eksena’ tulad noong nakaraang 2024 SONA,” Padilla said.

He added that the SONA is the President’s opportunity to report to the nation and should not be overshadowed by political opposition.

“Ang SONA ay araw ng Pangulo; ito ay kanyang pagkakataon na mag-ulat sa bayan,” he said.

Padilla said he found Marcos’ speech more meaningful because Filipino was used as the main medium of communication.

He added that the use of the national language gave recognition to ordinary citizens who are often overlooked and mocked.

“Sa pamamagitan nito, tunay na nabigyan ng halaga at pagkilala ang mga binabansagang hampaslupa, mga karaniwang mamamayan na madalas ay nakaliligtaan at kinukutya,” Padilla said.