Duterte to deliver ‘short’ 2019 Sona — Palace

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte does the thumbs up gesture while delivering his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Joint Session of the 17th Congress at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives Complex in Constitution Hills, Quezon City on July 23, 2018. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Contrary to his lengthy speeches that would sometimes extend for hours, President Rodrigo Duterte will have a “short” speech in his fourth State of the Nation Address this 2019.

“By the way, he said that, because I asked him about the Sona this morning. He said, ‘Oh, it will be short,’” Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing, referring to Duterte.

But Panelo joked, “Usually, ‘pag short, two hours ‘yun. You count from the two hours, one, two, three, maging tatlo.”

Panelo explained the President’s speech would be short this year because of the pre-Sona forum this July.

“Maybe because there are pre-Sonas,” he said, adding that the Chief Executive would “be discussing the achievement of his administration on a particular year.” 

“Since the pre-Sonas are already doing that, so I don’t think the President will have to repeat that,” Panelo said.

Duterte’s first Sona in 2016 lasted for one hour and 32 minutes while his second Sona lasted for two hours.

His third Sona in 2018 lasted for 48 minutes. /je