Andanar says Duterte will mention West Philippine Sea in SONA

July 22, 2019

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the West Philippine Sea will be mentioned in the speech of President Rodrigo Duterte for his fourth State of the Nation Address.

"On the entire SONA, the West Philippine Sea will be mentioned" Andanar said in a radio interview Monday. Andanar did not elaborate.

Andanar said it is the constitutional job of Duterte to preserve the life of every Filipino.

"His primodial responsibility, his constitutional duty is to protect the life and preserved the life of every Filipino," Andanar said on the discussion about asserting the sovereign rights on the disputed waters.

"Meaning, if he made an action that will push both countries to go to war, he is already violating his constitutional duty to preserve the life of every Filipino," he added.

Andanar said Duterte's  speech will last for 42 minutes.

"42 minutes speech without ad lib... (but it is ) Possible ( there will be ad lib)," said Andanar.

He did not confirm if the president will really lecture on the territorial disputes as Duterte earlier said.

"Let's just wait.... I know (he) will go off the script then lecture," he said.

Andanar reiterated that the speech of Duterte will focus on what will be his "legacy" for the next three years.

"It will be the future of the Filipinos... This will be the gold standard of public service," said Andanar. Ella Dionisio/DMS