COMMUNICATIONS Secretary Martin Andanar said Wednesday President Rodrigo Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address will focus on his legislative agenda rather than on the shortcomings of the previous administrations.
“This address will focus on the plans of the President, his road map for the next six years,” Andanar said in a radio interview.
“His legislative agenda will be laid out to the people so they can understand what are his priorities.”
Duterte’s guests have been requested to come in business attire instead of in extravagant gowns, which was typical during the previous Sonas.
All the former Presidents—Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III—have been invited to attend Duterte’s first Sona, which will take place at the Batasang Pambansa on July 25.
Aquino has already sent his regrets to the organizers without giving any reason why he is not attending.
Duterte’s daughter, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, has also sent word that she won’t be able to attend her father’s Sona.
Department of Finance spokesman Paola Alvarez said Monday the SONA could focus on Duterte’s 10-point agenda, including the revival of the death penalty and the drive for constitutional change to allow a shift to a federal form of government.
Award-winning director Brillante Mendoza will oversee the camera shots to create a meaningful visual narrative of the address.