Alan Peter Cayetano Wears Black and Boycotts Marcos SONA
SONA – Instead of taking his seat at the House of Representatives, Alan Peter Cayetano chose to watch President Marcos’ SONA from home, calling it his own peaceful way of expressing dissent.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed that he would not attend the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on July 27, choosing instead to watch the speech from home as a form of peaceful protest.
Speaking to reporters on the morning of the President’s annual address, Cayetano said he preferred to follow the event on television rather than be physically present at the House of Representatives, where the SONA is traditionally delivered.
“Mas preference ko siguro panoorin na lang sa TV. Baka mas komportable rin ang administrasyon in that way.
“And it’s my simple way of protesting pati sa pagba-black,” the senator said, referring to his black long-sleeved Barong Tagalog, which he wore as a symbolic expression of dissent.
Cayetano explained that his decision was rooted in concerns over what he believes is the current state of democracy in the Philippines. According to the senator, individuals who openly criticise the present administration face increasing risks, making it more difficult for people to freely express opposing views.
He stressed that protecting democratic values and the freedom to voice differing opinions is essential, saying that remaining silent simply to avoid conflict could ultimately harm the country.
“It’s about freedom and democracy. Just look at all those who have been charged and imprisoned.
“If you stay quiet and go along with them, it’s like, ‘If you can’t beat them, join them.’ You may be happy, but the country is the one that suffers. But if you stand by your principles, you’re the one who gets charged,” he said.
The senator’s absence from the SONA comes a day after he announced that he would once again deliver a counter-SONA, a long-standing tradition observed by the Senate Minority Leader. Through the counter-address, the minority leader presents an alternative assessment of the country’s condition and responds to the President’s statements during the annual report.
By opting out of the official gathering and wearing black, Cayetano underscored his opposition through symbolic gestures while maintaining that his protest is centred on defending democratic principles and encouraging open political discourse. His planned counter-SONA is expected to outline his views on the nation’s current challenges and provide his response to the administration’s assessment of the country’s situation.
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