President Rodrigo Duterte wanted director Joyce Bernal to direct his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), a Palace official said on Wednesday
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said it was actor Robin Padilla who recommended Bernal to the President.
Bernal is known for directing romantic-comedy films.
“[T]his year ang gusto ng Presidente si Ma’am Joyce,” Andanar told reporters in an interview in Valenzuela City.
Andanar admitted he is “excited” to see Bernal’s output.
“As a creative person, I’m also excited on the output of Director Joyce,” he said.
Filmmaker Brillante Mendoza had directed the President’s past two SONAs. Andanar said Mendoza was already informed of the President’s decision for Bernal to direct the third.
“I’m very satisfied with the work of [director] Brillante Mendoza. He had many shots during the last two SONA that we can use in the future especially when creating documentaries about the President and about State of the Nation Address,” Andanar said.
During the 27th Cabinet meeting on Monday, Duterte said he would read a prepared speech, which will not exceed 35 minutes, during his SONA.
READ: Duterte on 3rd Sona: I will read my speech and it won’t exceed 35 minutes
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Chief Executive’s SONA would come “straight from the heart.” Daphnie Beltran, INQUIRER.net trainee /muf