Sen. Imee Marcos will not attend the SONA 2026
The political issue between Senator Imee Marcos and her younger brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., is a highly publicized estrangement rooted in policy disagreements, shifting political alliances, and serious personal accusations.
PBBM had a falling out with Vice President Sara Duterte even though they were the winning tandem in the 2022 elections. Senator Imee chose to side with the Dutertes, joining Vice President Sara’s lineup and explicitly leaving her brother’s senatorial administration slate during the 2025 midterm elections.
Following this, there were several times when the older Marcos would oppose her younger brother’s policy and political views.
On July 27, the day of the 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of Pres. Bongbong Marcos, Sen. Imee Marcos was asked if she would attend. Based on the report from News5, her answer was, “Hindi, hindi.”
When asked why, the female lawmaker said that she did not attend last year either. “Nakakaumay na,” she added.
Then, she said that this year, she was quite upset because her fellow senators who are their allies were jailed. Senator Imee was referring to Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta.
She also mentioned that the minority bloc members are now facing complaints. “Talagang hindi maganda itong pang-aapi sa minority,” she said.
Sen. Imee was also asked about how they would face their busy schedules. She said that she has no idea if they would be able to squeeze everything into their schedule.
“Kakayanin ba lahat ‘yan, sabay-sabay? May CA pa, may…huwag mong kalimutan may Commission on Appointments, may budget na papapasok na hindi natin alam ang detalye hanggang ngayon,” the Senator stressed, adding that before, they were already given the records for review.
She mentioned the impeachment trial that has occupied much of their time, and their regular work, which for her was “nakakahiya” because out of 53 bills, they only just passed 2 laws.
Sen. Imee Marcos also said that hopefully, the impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte would already end.
Meanwhile, Sen. Imee‘s ally, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, said that he will also have his “counter-SONA.”