Noy writing fourth SONA himself

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III has not yet finalized his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), and he has been writing it himself, a Malacañang official said Tuesday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that Aquino has been "hands-on" in the crafting of the lengthy speech, which he will deliver on July 22.

"(The SONA) is a work in progress," Valte told reporters, adding that the President's report will likely become final on the day itself.

Aquino will deliver the report to both chambers of Congress as required by the 1987 Constitution, which is held every fourth Monday of July.

Valte said Aquino will start the address with an "outline or framework" of topics he will discuss before he proceeds with the details that would elaborate the address' theme.

The official, however, refused to reveal which theme Aquino will choose to highlight.

Since 1978 during former President Ferdinand Marcos' term, the annual address has been held at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

Aquino, like previous presidents, will be welcomed with military honors and led by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House.