Andanar: Expect longer, meaningful Sona from President

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. ALBERT ALCAIN/Presidential Photo

The public should expect a “longer but more meaningful” speech from President Rodrigo Duterte for his second State of the Nation Address (Sona), Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said on Saturday.

“Expect po natin na talaga namang magiging meaningful ang Sonang ito sapagkat hindi po technical, di tulad ng last Sona na technical. Ngayon po ay talagang ang mga proyektong naramdaman ng mga beneficiaries ang mababanggit dito sa Sona,” Andanar said in an interview over DZMM TeleRadyo.

(Let’s expect that this will be a really meaningful Sona because it is not technical, unlike the last Sona. This time, the projects that the beneficiaries felt will be mentioned in the Sona.)

READ: ‘Duterte SONA powerful, patriotic’

The increase in length of this year’s Sona, Andanar said, is due to the Duterte administration’s accomplishments as well as his plans for the rest of his term.

Andanar added that the President might mention issues including the Marawi siege and alleged resurgence of illegal drug trade in the national penitentiary.

Asked about new policies the President might include, Andanar said he has no idea but it is very possible.

“Kilala natin si Presidente, he is full of surprises and at the same time, kapag very passionate siya sa isang idea, biglang magaadlib yan si Pangulo. Maganda yan kasi it only means he is very passionate about a certain topic or a certain issue,” he said.

(We know the President, he is full of surprises and at the same time, when he’s very passionate about an idea, he will adlib. It’s good because it only means he is very passionate about a certain topic or issue.)

“The president does not want to be preempted of what he will say, just expect a meaningful Sona, expect an exciting one,” he added.

War against illegal drugs, peace talks, and tax reforms were among Duterte’s promises in his Sona last year.  JPV