Duterte to Skip Marcos’ Sona Again Amid Deepening Rift
Duterte skips Marcos Sona for the second consecutive year, further exposing the widening divide within the Philippine government. As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prepares for his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 28, 2025, the Vice President’s absence will once again steal national attention.
Timeline of the Duterte-Marcos Political Rift
The UniTeam alliance that propelled Duterte and Marcos to power in 2022 promised national unity. However, the bond has since deteriorated into open rivalry. Duterte skips Marcos Sona this year as part of a series of deliberate decisions that reflect a growing personal and political chasm.
After the 2022 victory, cracks appeared when Duterte resigned from Lakas-CMD in May 2023. This resignation came shortly after the demotion of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a longtime Duterte ally, from a key leadership role in Congress. Two days later, Duterte posted a cryptic Instagram caption: “In your ambition, do not be tambaloslos.”
Many interpreted the message as a jab at Speaker Martin Romualdez, a relative of President Marcos. Since then, Duterte and her supporters have grown increasingly vocal against the Marcos administration, making this year’s Sona boycott a clear message.
Read Also
South Korea Sets Presidential Election for 3 June After Yoon Suk-yeol’s Removal
Midterm Elections and Political Strategy
The feud has spilled into preparations for the 2025 midterm elections, creating two opposing blocs. Candidates have started aligning with either Duterte or Marcos. Many believe Duterte’s goal is to reshape the political landscape, not just express dissent.
She openly questioned Marcos’ motives in choosing her as a running mate in 2022. According to her, he only feared losing to Leni Robredo and her “pink movement.” This statement further intensified public debate around their fractured alliance.
Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, remains detained under an ICC warrant. His situation has shaped her recent activities. She has made frequent overseas trips, including The Hague, where she joined rallies for his release. Her absences, often labeled as “personal,” usually coincide with major government events, including this year’s Sona.
Defiance, Symbolism, and Visibility
For many Filipinos, symbolism equals power. Duterte skips Marcos Sona not because of scheduling conflicts but as an act of symbolic defiance. Her public statements frame the Sona as irrelevant. In a June interview, she said, “There’s no law requiring us to listen to the President’s Sona.”
Critics argue that the move disrespects national institutions. Supporters, however, see it as part of a broader campaign to re-establish the Duterte legacy. Duterte has used both silence and spectacle to draw attention—meeting overseas workers, leading rallies, and consistently staying in the public eye.
Her feud with Claire Castro, the President’s Communications Undersecretary, has further fueled tensions. Castro often responds to Duterte’s actions, defending the administration while accusing Duterte of political opportunism. Their exchanges highlight how personal the divide has become.
2028 Presidential Positioning
Although Duterte has not announced any official bid for 2028, she confirmed receiving her father’s blessing. She plans to reveal her political intentions in 2026, but her recent actions suggest she’s already laying the groundwork.
Duterte skips Marcos Sona yet again to build her profile as a future presidential contender. While Marcos focuses on policy, Duterte positions herself as the voice of a divided base. With Marcos’ approval slipping and the 2025 elections looming, her strategy may gain momentum.
She now shares power, not through legislation, but through influence. Whether she reconciles with Marcos or challenges him more directly remains uncertain. What’s clear is that the former allies now stand on opposite sides of the country’s political future.
Duterte skips Marcos Sona not due to irrelevance but as a political statement. Her calculated absence sends a message: she’s not stepping aside. Instead, she’s stepping forward—redefining her role and reshaping the road to 2028. In a nation where absence can speak volumes, Duterte’s silence may echo louder than any speech Marcos delivers on July 28.
