Aquino skipping Duterte’s SONA a third time

MANILA, Philippines — Former President Benigno Aquino III will skip the State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte for the third time.

The House of Representatives’ Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Special Affairs Bureau has informed the media that Aquino sent his regrets for his non-attendance to the third SONA.

Aquino has not attended any SONA of Duterte, his successor.

The House IPRSAB said former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Joseph Ejercito-Estrada have already confirmed their attendance to the SONA.

Ramos has been religiously attending the SONA since he left office in 1998.

Aquino’s predecessor, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, now Pampanga representative, is also expected to attend the SONA as a member of the chamber.

The House IPRSAB said former Senate Presidents Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Juan Ponce Enrile, and Manny Villar are attending the SONA. Former Speaker Jose de Venecia also confirmed his attendance.

Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo said she is attending the SONA.

Robredo earlier confirmed her attendance, saying it is one of her “obligations” as the vice president.

Last week, the two top leaders had a verbal spat after Duterte claimed Robredo is "incompetent" and incapable of leading a country such as the Philippines.

Duterte is set to deliver his third SONA at the House of Representatives on July 23, Monday. —Rosette Adel