Aquino to tackle growth in hour-long Sona 2014

By: Kristine Angeli Sabillo - 10 years ago

President Benigno S. Aquino III. Ryan Lim / Malacañang File Photo

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) will last for less than an hour, barring delays caused by applause, Malacanang has announced.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. also told Palace reporters that the speech would be conversational because the President wanted the public to understand clearly what he has to say.

Last year, Aquino’s Sona lasted for around an hour and 45 minutes because of the applause and footage of testimonials by ordinary people.

Although Aquino refused to divulge the content of the speech, Coloma said it would tackle the issue of inclusive growth.

The public can expect the usual audio-visual or Powerpoint presentation to accompany the speech.

The President, who will be wearing a Paul Cabral barong Tagalog, will be joined by his sisters Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Aquino-Abellada, Victoria Elisa “Viel” Aquino-Dee and actress Kris Aquino.

All members of the Cabinet will also be present.

Coloma said they would first meet and have lunch at the nearby office of Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman before heading to the Batasang Pambansa complex, also in Quezon City, where Aquino will deliver his speech.