Former vice president Leni Robredo (Mark Balmores/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Not one, not two, but three former vice presidents have opted not to attend President Marcos' third State of the Nation Address (SONA) this coming July 22 at the House of Representatives. 

House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco has identified the three as Leni Robredo, Jejomar Binay, and Noli de Castro. 

In an interview Tuesday, July 9, shared that Robredo and Binay have officially sent their regrets to the House's invite for the SONA. 

As for De Castro, Velasco said that he has already decided not to attend the SONA. However, he has yet to make his regrets official. 

Velasco said the House automatically invites former high-ranking officials in government to the SONA. But attendance isn't compulsory, he said. 

"Alam mo naman, wala naman pilitan dito sa SONA eh (We don't force anybody to attend the SONA). It's based on your desire whether you want or you don't want," he said. 

Velasco said the deadline for the confirmation of attendance to this year's SONA lapsed last June 25. 

But they give a lot of leeway to VIPs (very important persons), who can confirm their attendance last minute. 

Incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte has yet to confirm her attendance, Velasco said.

Velasco said 99 percent of the persons who have been invited to the SONA this year have confirmed their attendance. 

Robredo served as vice president from 2016 to 2022; Binay, from 2010 to 2016; De Castro, from 2004 to 2010.