SONA 2019: The new, unique or unusual

Since 1935, Philippine presidents have been reporting to the nation in an annual address. The State of
the Nation Address (SONA) is meant to be an opportunity for the President to inform Congress and the
public about the country's problems and to announce his or her legislative priorities.

Each president brings something unique or different to the tradition. Former President Benigno Aquino
III was the first to deliver a SONA speech entirely in Filipino.

Duterte's first SONA in 2016, directed by renowned auteur filmmaker Brillante Mendoza, went viral
because of the use of unconventional camera angles: from worm’s eye views to extreme close-up shots.

This year, the Duterte administration tapped Joyce Bernal, known for romantic comedy flicks, to direct
the SONA. Bernal earlier said that she wanted the President's 2019 address to feel hopeful and joyful,
coming from last year’s speech that was delayed over a Speakership coup.

So, what was new or unique or unusual in this year’s SONA?

Live orchestra

This year's SONA featured a live symphony orchestra. The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra helped set
the mood by performing folk songs, including Freddie Aguilar’s “Duterte Para sa Tunay na Pagbabago,”
which was played as the President entered the House of Representatives’ Plenary Hall.

Singing President

We’ve had Presidents sing before in events but it was the first time that Duterte sang at Batasang
Pambansa after his SONA. Of course, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra backed him up.

Local fabric backdrop

Noticeably new at the House Session Hall was the local woven fabric draped over the rostrum that
served as Duterte’s backdrop. Bernal said they wanted to use something woven from Mindanao or Mt.
Province. Duterte is the Philippines' first president from Mindanao.

The use of Filipino woven fabrics was also seen on the red carpet, with many women politicians
incorporating it in their outfits.

No mention of federalism and mining

Since 2016, Duterte had always brought up the issues of federalism and mining in his speeches. This
year, he did not mention these issues.
First time to mention sports

For the first time, Duterte included sports in his SONA. He said he would be supporting the measure to
create a National Academy of Sports for high school students. Incidentally, the country is hosting the
30th Southeast Asian Games later this year.

Ocean theme at SONA protest

It has been a tradition for activist groups to hold a big rally during the SONA. This year, it was their first
time to set a visual theme--the West Philippine Sea, according to Renato Reyes of Bagong Alyansang
Makabayan. During the SONA protest, activists brought ocean-themed art, with a sea monster effigy of
the President as the centerpiece.

SONA fashion criticisms

In recent years, the worst-dressed SONA attendees become the butt of jokes on social media. Senator
Nancy Binay had to endure becoming a meme back in 2014 because of a dress that people thought was
reminiscent of Princess Fiona in the movie Shrek.

Binay has since vindicated herself and was praised this year for her elegant Randy Ortiz gown.

Also new was Sen. Risa Hontiveros being “slut-shamed” for her short Filipiniana dress, and a designer
receiving flak for dressing a Marcos.

Designer Mak Tumang became internationally famous for designing Catriona Gray’s beautiful gowns
during the Miss Universe pageant. But netizens on Monday criticized him for designing for Sen. Imee
Marcos, daughter of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Others, however, insisted that Tumang's design
in fact threw “shade.” Some netizens joked that the color red at the bottom of Marcos’ gown was blood,
symbolic of killings and abuses during her late father's regime.
Health Governance

:I think it’s right that Duterte acknowledges the :It looks like Duterte wants to focus on the
negative impacts of smoking. removal of corruption in the government

:I agree smoking doesn’t affect the smoker only,
but it can also affect the people surrounding the
smoker. And the effects are doubled because
the air that can be inhaled from it has no filter.
Peace and Security
:I also think that imposition of the death penalty
for drug related crimes is a good decision
:Of course! Everybody wants our government to
be “Corruption-free” I’m sure that would
happen someday!
Environment & Disaster Response
:The Boracay restoration has been returned
close to its original and pristine and it is a very
good thing for our tourism.

:I think it’s also good but I hope he includes the
sexual offenders in the imposition of the death
penalty
:Yeah me too, those guys are evil and need to
be taught a lesson.
Economy and labor
:It was a right thing to do for Duterte to raise
the salaries of national workers.
:Yes but the next challenge for Duterte is on
keeping it clean
:And it is good to know that he plans to find
renewable energy resources
Ending
:And when Duterte said “ I would end my term
fighting” I just hope he sticks to what he says
and leads the Philippines to be better

:It is right. Food prices are so high these days

and they need the extra money to feed
themselves and also their family.

Education

:It was very reasurring to know that more

filipino’s are receiving basic education

:Education is also essential to us. It just means

we are slowly being able to compete with the
rest of the countries.

Transportation and communication

:The traffic is so severe in the Philippines

:That problem needs attention because it also

affects our tourism