PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte, who is used to delivering an impromptu speech, would read a prepared speech in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 23, Malacañang said Monday, July 9.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the public could expect Duterte to deliver his speech in "not more than 35 minutes."
"I will read my Sona speech, which should not be more than 35 minutes," the President, as quoted by Roque, said.
Malacañang earlier said Duterte would deliver his address to the nation "straight from the heart."
Asked if the Chief Executive would speak extemporaneously, Roque told Sun.Star, "No more na (already)."
On July 24, 2017, Duterte's Sona lasted for 120 minutes, or more than double the estimated time of 50 minutes as the President made spontaneous remarks.
Last year, Duterte talked about the relentless crackdown on illegal drugs, Marawi crisis, fight against corruption, tax reform, stalled peace negotiations with the communist rebels, among other issues.
Duterte's first Sona on July 25, 2016 ran for more than 90 minutes, as he focused on his campaign promises to get rid of illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality under his watch. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)