Senator Bong Go, a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, did not attend President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA). Instead, Go went live on Facebook around 4:00 p.m., the start of Marcos’ SONA, showing himself undergoing a medical procedure.
In a separate Facebook post, Go explained that he was having a stress echocardiogram to ensure his physical fitness but was monitoring the SONA on television.
“There are plenty of people there. I don’t want to deal with the crowd. I’ve attended several past SONAs. What really matters each year is not just the President’s words but the actions that follow to fulfill the promises made to the public,” Go remarked.
“That said, I am currently watching our President’s speech on TV and will be monitoring the administration’s promises. I support their good programs and plans, but I am more concerned about the results that should benefit our poor compatriots,” he added.
Go also urged the Marcos administration to focus on strengthening the healthcare system and reducing inflation. “It’s important that Filipinos have full stomachs and that no one goes hungry,” he concluded.
Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Duterte, also did not attend the SONA. She announced that she would not be watching Marcos’ speech on TV or any gadget, appointing herself as the “designated survivor.”