Here are some facts and trivia about the SONA (State of the Nation Address)
President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address or SONA is happening on July 23, 2018.
Here are some facts and trivia about the one of the most-awaited speeches of the Chief Executive of the Philippines.
Conducting this event was mandated by the 1987 Philippines Constitution to take place every fourth Monday of July to the Joint Congress of the Philippines, based on the article published in Eagle News.
Throughout the history of Presidents in the country, Manuel L. Quezon was the first one who had SONA back in November 25, 1935. The highlight of his speech was about the establishment of national defense policy.
Ferdinand Marcos was the President who had most number of SONAs with the total of 20 while Emilio Aguinaldo and Jose P. Laurel had none because the constitutions during their presidency made no provisions of it.
Sergio Osmena had the least SONAs for he only had a two-year term in 1944-1946.
In terms of words delivered during the president’s speech, Gloria Macapagal-Arroya had the shortest with 1, 556 words in 2005 while Marcos had the longest with 29, 335 words in 1969.
The current President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte had his first SONA on July 25, 2016.
Several accustomed traditions from the previous SONAs were not followed because Duterte wanted to keep the event simple and straightforward which is reflected in his personality.
During that event, legislators and their spouses were wearing business attires instead of the usual Barong Tagalong and long gown as the organizers of the event implemented this as a dress code.
The President from Davao City had the longest SONA in the history, so far, in terms of time. His speech lasted for 1 hour and 32 minutes.
He talked about the reinstatement of death penalty, legislative agenda, tax reform, 10-point economic agenda and position in promoting peace, based on the article.