House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), Vice President Sara Duterte (Speaker’s office, Facebook)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez underscored the "crucial" opportunity that Vice President Sara Duterte will miss should she push through with her plan to skip this year's State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

"Every public official has the prerogative to decide on their attendance at significant events. However, the State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a crucial moment for unity and collaboration among our nation’s leaders," Romualdez said in a statement Thursday, July 11. 

"Our constituents deserve to see their leaders united and focused on the collective good," said the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president. 

The Vice President told reporters earlier that day that he would not attend President Marcos' third SONA on July 22 at Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. 

Romualdez says the event "is a time to reflect on our progress, address challenges, and outline our vision for the future". 

READ THIS AGAIN: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/11/house-to-reserve-sona-seat-for-vp-sara-in-case-of-last-minute-decision 

"Despite the Vice President’s absence, the House of Representatives remains committed to working with all branches of government to ensure that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s SONA reflects our collective efforts to improve the lives of Filipinos. Unity and collaboration will continue to guide us forward," the House leader said. 

Over 2,000 people are expected to attend the SONA in Batasang Pambansa Complex, home of the House of Representatives.