For his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is set to deliver a “direct to the point” speech that will run for about 50 minutes, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar disclosed on Friday, July 21.
Andanar, who was present during Duterte’s rehearsal at the presidential guest house in Davao City on Thursday night, July 20, said the original 38-page speech was reduced by almost half.
The revised 18-page speech includes the administration’s accomplishments during the first year as well as the pressing issues like the illegal drug problem and terrorism in Marawi City.
“He wants it direct to the point. I’m estimating the final draft to be between 15 and 18 pages,” Andanar said in a text message to reporters on Thursday night.
Earlier, Andanar said the public should expect a “longer but more meaningful” speech from the president for his SONA on Monday, July 24.
“Let’s expect that this will be a really meaningful SONA because it is not technical, unlike the last SONA. This time, the projects that the beneficiaries felt will be mentioned in the SONA,” Andanar disclosed during a radio interview over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella pointed out that is Duterte, who will decide how long his speech would run.
The president’s first SONA ran for 1 hour and 33 minutes, with his ad libs dominating the speech.
With respect to tradition and protocol, former Presidents Benigno Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, and Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were all invited to attend and witness the prestigious event on Monday.
In a Rappler interview, Aquino revealed that he will not attend the event to avoid “comments” from those he might be seated with
