More than half of the Senate members skipped President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2026.

Three majority senators—Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III, Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson, and Paolo Benigno 'Bam' Aquino IV—did not attend due to medical reasons, with Sotto citing a severe cold and needing intravenous medication.Senator Camille Villar was the sole minority senator present.Most Minority bloc members boycotted the event, expressing dissatisfaction over the detention of opposition lawmakers.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano framed his absence as a 'simple way of protesting,' highlighting concerns about democracy and government accountability.

Other absent senators included Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta, detained over plunder charges, while Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa remained out of public view due to an ICC arrest warrant linked to the Duterte drug war.

The event underscored political tensions and divisions within the Senate, with critics noting the lack of key policy discussions like climate action and nuclear energy concerns.