Robin Padilla explains SONA absence: 'Didn't want to be a scene-stealer'

Senator Robinhood Padilla explained his decision to skip President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s annual State of the Nation Address (SONA), stating he did not want to be a “scene-stealer.” Padilla cited his experience during the 2024 SONA, where he remained seated and unreactive while other attendees were applauding, which drew significant attention. He expressed a desire to avoid a repeat of such an incident. "I have never insulted or disrespected President Marcos Jr. That is not my principle when it comes to personal friendships," Padilla said, emphasizing his respect for the President. Padilla was among 13 senators who did not attend Marcos' penultimate SONA held at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. Other absentees included Senate President Pro-Tempore Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, and Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV, Imee Marcos, Loren Legarda, Pia Cayetano, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, and Mark Villar. Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta were unable to attend due to their detention over separate plunder charges. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has been in hiding following the issuance of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him over his alleged role in the Duterte administration’s bloody drug war. This collective absence highlights the diverse political stances and personal circumstances of various senators within the Philippine political landscape. Dela Rosa's situation, in particular, points to the potential impact of international judicial proceedings on domestic politics.