Award-winning helmer Brillante Mendoza to direct Duterte’s first SONA

Award-winning independent film director Brillante Mendoza has been tasked to direct President Rodrigo Duterte's first State of the Nation Address (SONA), which will take place on July 25.

The director met with administration officials officials last Thursday to discuss the matter, including Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, who was one of his students at an intensive directing class last summer.

Another meeting will be held this week to finalize the plans.

In an interview with DZRB, Andanar clarified certain issues arising from the choice of having someone "direct" the SONA.

“The reactions of other people in social media about Brillante Mendoza has been negative. The great director is doing this pro bono, for free. Wala pong bayad si director Mendoza,” he said.

The PCOO Secretary added, “If you have such a great talent like him who can volunteer his work at kung meron pa pong iba na gustong mag-volunteer, you are welcome at the Presidential Communications Office to contribute your inputs by making the State of Nation Address of President Duterte a meaningful one.”

Mendoza's recent film "Ma' Rosa" was shown at the Cannes Film Festival, where star Jaclyn Jose won the Best Actress Award.

Mendoza said that being given the job is an honor, adding that Duterte's administrative vision is aligned with the themes and messages of his films, including the need for poverty alleviation and drug and crime prevention in the country.

In a report on “24 Oras” on Sunday, the team said that Duterte's State of the Nation Address will be personal and concise, with a bit of Bisaya here and there.

PCO Secretary @MartinAndanar & @brillante_ma prepares for #PresidentDuterte 1st SONA. #PartnerForChange pic.twitter.com/cDNKCDUxPX

— Presidential Comm (@PresidentialCom) July 14, 2016

 — Bianca Rose Dabu/BM, GMA News