IN HIS third State of the Nation Address (Sona), President Rodrigo Duterte will focus on issues that are "close to his heart," Malacañang said Tuesday, May 8.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the Sona scheduled on July 23 would have a "new format," as the President would want more time giving emphasis to the issues he deems relevant, such as his anti-corruption drive.

Roque did not mention other issues Duterte might include in his Sona.

"There will be a new format. What will happen during the Sona is really, the President will limit himself to the issues he wants to discuss with the public," Roque said, more than two months before the President delivers his annual address.

"The Sona will really be the President talking to the people and reporting to people on matters close to the President's heart," he added.

Duterte's first Sona on July 25, 2016 focused on his campaign promises to stamp out illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality under his watch.

During his first address to the nation, the President also pledged to implement big-ticket infrastructure projects, pass into law the proposed tax reform measure, and promote transparency in government.

In his second Sona delivered on July 24, 2016, Duterte touched on several pressing issues, such as the administration's brutal crackdown on narcotics trade, the fight against terrorism in the southern Philippines, the cancellation of peace talks with the communists, and the Philippines' non-adversarial approach with disputed South China Sea.

The President also made an unprecedented move last year when he met with the protesters outside the Batasan Complex in Quezon City, a first for a Philippine President, after the Sona.

Every Sona, the president usually informs the public about his administration's accomplishments.

Roque, however, said the President would not cite his administration's accomplishments in his Sona.

"The achievements will be enumerated in some other time," Roque said. (SunStar Philippines)