Practice makes perfect: Duterte readies for fourth Sona, cuts speech to 19 pages

At the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte personally edited his 28-page speech on Friday night in Malacañang as he began practicing for his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona). 

“The President edits his 28-page speech to 19 pages,” a reliable source told INQUIRER.net.

The source said Radio TV Malacañang Director Demic Pabalan, Director Joyce Bernal, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, Undersecretary Melchor Quitain, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, and former Special Assistant to the President but now Senator Bong Go assisted the Chief Executive during his practice at the Palace’s Rizal Hall.

Andanar earlier told INQUIRER.net that Duterte’s speech on Monday, July 22, will last for only 45 to 50 minutes if the President sticks to his prepared speech.

READ: How ‘short’ is Duterte’s 4th Sona? 

“[His speech will be] between 45 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes depending on speed,”  he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte and former SAP but now Senator Bong Go at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday, July 19, 2019. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles earlier said the President just wants to “say what’s in his heart” in his Sona.

READ: Duterte will ‘say what’s in his heart’ in 4th Sona — Palace

Known for his lengthy speeches, Duterte earlier said he would “educate” his critics about the South China Sea, an issue where he earned a sharp rebuke for allowing Chinese fishermen to trawl in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

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. /kga