What to expect from Duterte's first SONA

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will set his government's agenda and address a joint session of Congress for the first time on Monday for his State of the Nation Address.

Here's what to expect from the new leader's first SONA:

1. 'Very powerful'

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Duterte, who he said wrote the SONA himself, will deliver a "very powerful speech that will awaken the patriot in every Filipino."

Andanar said he was moved to tears when he first read the drafted speech. "That's how good, that's how emotionally stirring the speech of our president is," Andanar said.

2. Relatively brief

Based on a speech calculator, Malacañang estimated the address to last for around 38 minutes, which is just about as long as President Benigno Aquino III's first SONA in 2010, which lasted for 37 minutes. "If you would include the applause and some ad libs by President (Duterte), it could take longer," Andanar said.

3. Spoken in English

Duterte will deliver the SONA in English, deviating from Aquino's practice of speaking in Filipino, prompting his staff to translate simultaneously for foreign delegates and diplomats in the room. Duterte, whose native tongue is Cebuano, is said to be more comfortable speaking in English than in Filipino having lived in the country's south almost all his life.

4. No blame game

Duterte is expected to veer away from Aquino's practice of blaming previous administrations, particular that of his political adversary Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, for the misfortunes and challenges of his government.

5. Executive targets

Duterte, who instructed the members of his Cabinet to submit their inputs to the SONA, will include targets of executive agencies in the next six years, Andanar's team said.

6. Campaign promises

Duterte's first SONA is expected to reiterate promises made on the campaign trail, including the past weeks' achievements on the anti-drug campaign and the peace process. Andanar's subordinate, Assistant Secretary Ramon Cualoping II, said the address will have"less of the drama and more of the policies for action."

7. Legislative agenda

The president, who is technically addressing lawmakers, will spell out his priority legislation, which, going by recent statements, include the revival of the death penalty, a resolution to abusive labor contractualization practices and the lowering of the minimum age of criminal liability to 12 years old.

8. Toned-down event

The events around the SONA are expected to be toned down as Malacañang has instructed lawmakers and their spouses to come in business attire and refrain from wearing long dresses.

Former Ambassador Jose Apolinario Lozada said on ANC on Monday that guests should respect Duterte's orders on the SONA regarding the dress code. Lozada also said that while the fashion, food and other external preparations piqued the interest of the public and the media in previous years, the message of the SONA is more important.

9. Cannes-worthy shots

Acclaimed filmmaker Brillante Mendoza, who volunteered to be involved in the preparations for the SONA, directed the event. Andanar said Mendoza's involvement is to ensure that Duterte's message is captured for various media. "We want to capture his being able to communicate and connect with the people," Mendoza told the media recently.

10. A big announcement

Andanar said on Monday that Duterte will also make a special announcement that will surprise everyone.

Meanwhile, spokesperson Paola Alvarez told journalists last week that Duterte may also unveil a "comprehensive tax package" in line with his 10-point socioeconomic agenda. — Camille Diola with reports from Alexis Romero