MANILA, Philippines— They are not afraid of the “designated survivor.”
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel made this declaration on Wednesday, as he confirmed his and Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ attendance at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation address (Sona) on July 22.
“Nag-attend naman kami sa (We attended the) last Sona so we will attend,” Pimentel said in an interview at the Senate.
“Hindi kami natatakot sa designated survivor (We are not afraid of the designated survivor),” he added, apparently referring to Vice President Sara Duterte’s remark last week.
According to Duterte, she would not attend the Sona but named herself as the “designated survivor.”
READ: For Sona day, Sara Duterte appoints self ‘designated survivor’
Many called her remark a bad joke.
READ: Pimentel on Sara Duterte’s ‘designated survivor’ quip: A bad joke
Other senators also confirmed their physical presence at the Sona like former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and former Majority Leader Joel Villanueva.
“If it’s your time, it’s your time,” Zubiri said in a message to reporters when asked about Duterte’s statement.
The former Senate leader also said he is confident that authorities can ensure the safety of those attending the Sona.
Marcos’ Sona will be held at the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City, where the House of Representatives is located.
The old building of the House was rocked by a powerful explosion in November 2007 which killed six people, including then Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar.
READ: What went before: 2007 Batasan bombing