Why Imelda Marcos Is Not Attending President Bongbong Marcos' SONA

In just a few hours, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will deliver his second State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex. One notable guest, however, will be absent—Imelda Marcos, the matriarch of the Marcos family.

The former First Lady wanted to attend, however, her doctor advised her against it as there were too many people attending. Senator Imee Marcos made the announcement during an interview, saying: "'Yun nga. Kino-convice namin. Gustong pumunta pero pinagbabawalan pa ng doktor kasi masyado raw madaming tao." She mentioned that the Marcos matriarch would make a decision in the "last two minutes."

News reports have just confirmed that Marcos won't be able to attend the SONA minutes before it started.

Marcos, who celebrated her 94th birthday early this month, underwent angioplasty last May 7 which was confirmed by Imee Marcos in another interview: "My mother Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos underwent a successful angioplasty last May 7 at St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City." She added, "[She] is recovering well and will be sent home this week."

The Marcos family hasn't released any official statements regarding her health.