President Rodrigo Duterte arrived at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Monday afternoon for his first State of the Nation Address (Sona).
Duterte arrived on board a presidential chopper around 3:25 p.m.
The President was welcomed by newly elected Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez.
He was then escorted to the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) before proceeding to the session hall for the joint session of Congress. He will deliver his 38-minute speech at 4 p.m.
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Malacañang has said that Duterte’s speech would “be a reflection of the President’s low-key but compelling personality, more concerned with substance than pomp.” The Palace said the President’s speech would also be an opportunity to lay down his legislative agenda for the next six years.
His speech is also “expected to touch on his campaign promises and enumerate his achievements in fighting drugs, crime, and corruption and in winning the peace in all fronts in the 25 days he has been in office.”
“The SONA was revised several times,” said Martin Andanar, Presidential Communications Secretary.
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Andanar said the speech would be delivered in English as the President is more comfortable in speaking in this language.
“The speech would probably last based on our online application to calculate our actual time is more or less 38 minutes. If you would include the applause and some ad libs by the President, it could take longer,” he said.
The Palace said Filipinos should expect a “powerful message of change set to chart the nation’s course in the next six years.” CDG/rga
READ: ‘Duterte SONA powerful, patriotic’
