Malacañang has downplayed Senator Bato dela Rosa’s decision to skip President Marcos Jr.'s upcoming fourth SONA, saying it is his right but urging him to stay informed of the government programs directly from the chief executive. 

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer, Atty. Claire Castro made these remarks after Dela Rosa cited “personal conflict” with some congressmen and Malacañang officials as his reason for not attending the President’s annual address.

“Okay lang naman po, karapatan naman po niya iyan (It’s okay. That’s his right if he chooses not to attend),” Castro said. 

Castro lamented that it would be better if Dela Rosa would hear for himself what the President has accomplished. 

“Kung hindi po siya pumunta, pero mas maganda po sana madinig po niya kung ano ang naging trabaho at magiging programa ng Pangulo sa SONA para po hindi siya maligaw (If he doesn't attend, it's okay, but it would really be better if he could hear what the President has done and what the upcoming programs are in the SONA, so that he doesn't lose his way),” she said. 

Castro, while respecting the senator’s decision, emphasized the importance of staying informed through direct communication from the President, especially at a time when misinformation continues to spread.

“Kasi mas maganda pong pakinggan niya mismo kung ano ang sasabihin ng Pangulo kaysa mag-rely sa mga fake news peddlers (Because its better to listen directly to the President than to rely on fake news peddlers),” she noted. 

Dela Rosa earlier told reporters he would not attend Marcos' upcoming SONA, citing his disappointment with the administration.

“I have no more expectations from this government. I don’t want to expect. I’m just hoping that they focus on making the Philippines better,  but I’m not expecting. Expectations are different from what is anticipated,” he said. 

The senator explained his decision to skip SONA. 

“Ayaw ko magkipag-plastikan. Alangan naman pupunta “ko doon na nakasimangot. Pangit, diba? Alangan naman pupunta ko doon na pa-smile-smile kahit na masama ang loob 'ko sa kanila,” he said.

“So, ano pa? Makipag-plastikan ako doon sa mga congressman na masama ang loob ko. Hindi naman lahat ng congressman, pero may mga congressman doon na masama ang loob ko at mayroon ding mga tao sa Malacañang na masama ang loob ko. So, bakit ako makipag-plastikan?” he added.