Metro Manila, Philippines – Senate minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano is skipping President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, choosing to boycott the event at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in protest.
“Baka mas comfortable rin ang administration that way and it’s my simple way of protesting,” Cayetano said, adding that he will monitor the SONA remotely.
The minority leader has grown increasingly vocal against the administration, pointing to what he described as the “erosion of democracy” and accusing the government of weaponizing legal charges against political opponents and critics.
Cayetano cited the recent high-profile arrests of Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta, who are both facing plunder charges over alleged undeclared 2025 campaign contributions and their supposed involvement in the flood control kickback scandal.
Beyond boycotting the afternoon joint session, Cayetano wore black during the opening of the Senate’s second regular session on Monday morning. His sister, Senator Pia Cayetano, was also seen clad in black attire.
Despite his protest, the senator urged Filipinos from all political sides to still watch and stay informed during the President’s address.
