Panelo ‘excited’ about Duterte’s 4th SONA

FILE: Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Secretary Salvador Panelo in Malacañang on April 1, 2019. (Screenshot from Video: Presidential Communications (Government of the Philippines)/Facebook)

MANILA — Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said he is excited to listen to President Rodrigo Duterte deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday in the second half of his term.

“The past year has been meaningful and we are all excited for what was prepared for tomorrow’s momentous event,” Panelo said in a statement.

“Tomorrow on his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will report to the Filipino people the achievements of the administration in the past three years, the present situation of the country, and his plans to further move the nation forward for the three years,” he added.

Panelo said he expects the President to again tackle the promises he made on fighting corruption, illegal drugs, criminality, and rebellion.

Moreover, he said the President is also expected to speak about other major issues, such as that of the West Philippine Sea, ways to sustain the growth in our economy, and his legislative agenda.

Earlier, Duterte said he may educate the public on the constitutionality of his fishing agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his fourth SONA.

The October 2016 agreement between Duterte and Xi allows the Chinese to fish within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, for as long as China will allow Filipinos to fish in the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said Duterte’s address is expected to last 45 minutes to one hour and 20 minutes.

Duterte’s third SONA last year lasted for about 48 minutes, his second lasted for 120 minutes while his first lasted for 90 minutes.

Andanar also said Duterte’s fourth SONA will also reflect “how the future will look like” in his remaining three years in office.

In preparation for his fourth SONA, Duterte also rehearsed the delivery on Friday (July 19) night.