The Senate minority bloc’s plan to skip President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) does not reflect instability under his leadership, Malacañang said Monday.

Speaking to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President’s annual reporting to the public would proceed as scheduled, even without the presence of some senators.

Castro added that their absence is “no loss” to the government, stressing that the substance of the President’s penultimate SONA and the public’s interest in this year’s address are more important.

“Dahil absent lang sila, magkakaroon ng instability? Hindi. Ang importante dito, ang ulat ng Pangulo (Just because they are absent, does that mean there is instability? No. What matters is the President’s report),” she said.

“Mag-absent man sila, magbakasyon man sila, pumunta man sila sa ibang bansa, ang importante dito, ang tao makikinig sa Pangulo (Whether they are absent, on vacation, or even abroad, what matters is that the people will listen to the President),” Castro added.

Castro’s statement came after several senators from the minority bloc, including Marcos’ sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, announced that they would not attend this year’s SONA.

Castro said the government does not consider the minority senators’ move a problem, noting that the annual event would push through regardless of their attendance.

She added that Filipinos are more interested in the President’s message than in the absence of some lawmakers.

“So, sa mga taong walang interes at maybe ayaw nilang madinig ang Pangulo, hindi sila kawalan. Matutuloy at matuloy ang SONA kahit wala sila (for those who have no interest, or perhaps do not want to hear the President, their absence is no loss. The SONA will proceed with or without them),” Castro said.

Castro also said protests during SONA day are already expected, but any attempt to destabilize the government will not be tolerated. (PNA)