Senator Imee Marcos on Monday said she will not attend the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., at the Batasang Pambansa later this afternoon.

According to Senator Marcos, she would instead provide relief assistance to those affected by Severe Tropical Storm Crising, which pummeled parts of Luzon, particularly Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and the Ilocos Region.

“I won't be going anymore because of the never-ending Nutribun and Nutribus, as well as other relief efforts for the typhoon victims that are already scheduled,” she told reporters in an interview.

“I will be going to some schools where children are waiting for food and school supplies. I’ll just go there instead. That’s already scheduled. We're continuing our efforts there for Typhoon Crising,” she added.

Senator Marcos also revealed that other Duterte allies in the Senate, such as Senator Robin Padilla, Bong Go, and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, would also skip the SONA.

“I just agreed to the decision of the Duterte bloc. Bong Go and Bato did not attend the SONA just like last year. Robin and I are not attending as well. I am not sure about Senator [Rodante] Marcoleta,” she said.

A statement?

Asked whether her decision not to attend the SONA is a statement, Senator Marcos said she will leave it to the public to decide on that matter.

“It is up to you, but personally I do not want to attend because there are so many things to do that, for me, are urgent and important,” she said.

“I will still listen to the SONA. I know there will be news about what the President will say. I’ll still be able to read it, but those who need our help can no longer afford to wait,” she added.ll still be able to read it, but those who need our help can no longer afford to wait,” she added.