SONA 2017: What you should know
The second State of the National Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is set to happen on July 24.
SECOND SONA. Pres. Duterte will deliver his second SONA
The Duterte administration is prepping up for the accomplishment report since he took office a year ago, which the president shall deliver to the millions of people who voted for him.
Here are the things you need to know about this happening.
What is SONA?
SONA is a yearly address delivered by the President where he lays down the economic and social state of the country. He also takes note of the previous year, the changes which occurred, and the plans for the rest of the year.
When and where will it happen?
SONAs are held at the Batasang Pambansa at the onset of every Congress’ session. This year, Pres. Duterte will deliver the country’s 79th SONA (and his second) on Monday, July 24 at exactly 4 pm.
He will be escorted to the plenary hall of Batasang Pambansa by Incoming Senate Majority Floor Leader Senator Vicente Sotto III and House Majority Floor Leader-to-be Rudy Fariñas, also Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative.
Who will attend the SONA?
SONAs are known to be well-attended by different sectors, mostly comprised of politicians.
This year’s SONA will be attended by about 3,000 diplomats, politicians, and previous presidents.
However, former president Benigno Aquino III will skip the SONA this year.
What to expect?
The SONA 2017 will have its many firsts. People will also look forward to President Duterte have to say with the war on drugs, the war in Marawi, and the different issues that the country is facing today. According to Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, the president will be delivering the SONA coming straight from his heart and without the teleprompter.
Unlike previous SONAs where politicians dress up with their attire, this year’s invitation requires simple business attire. As for the president’s attire, it was confirmed that he and his partner Honeylet Avancena will be wearing “recycled” Barong and gown for the event.
Meanwhile, protesters are expected to close down Commonwealth Avenue as the president delivers his speech. Classes are suspended in Quezon City for SONA 2017.
Written by: Gelyka Dumaraos
Source: Rappler
