Citizen Noy won't be attending Duterte's first SONA 

The House of Representatives has sent out 3,000 invites to President Rodrigo Duterte's first State of the Nation Address (SONA) but his predecessor, former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has already sent his regrets.

The committee on invitations has reportedly received word that Aquino would not be around when Duterte's addresses the joint session of Congress for the first time.

Aquino's absence may have prevented what is expected to be an awkward encounter between him and his predecessor, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Being an incumbent lawmaker, Arroyo, has the choice to sit on her designated chair in the House of Representatives.

However, being a former president, Arroyo may also choose to sit in the middle gallery reserved for past presidents of the country.

The sitting arrangement of the presidents depends on their seniority. A seat for Arroyo could thus be reserved in between the seats of her predecessor, former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, and her successor, Aquino.

With Aquino's absence, the "awkward encounter" between him and Arroyo won't happen, at least for this SONA.

Arroyo has been under hospital arrest since November 2011 during Aquino's term but the Supreme Court granted her freedom on Tuesday after junking her plunder case over the alleged misuse of P366 million worth of intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

SONA preparations

Meanwhile, Artemio Adasa Jr., Deputy Secretary General to the House of Representatives, noted there will be a few changes compared to former SONA practices.

For one, Duterte will be officially welcomed only by four personalities — the Speaker of the House, the Senate President, and the majority leaders of both chambers — when he arrives at the rear entrance of the Batasang Pambansa.

Although the dress code has been simplified to business attire, a red carpet welcome is still being prepared for guests.

In fact, red carpets have been laid out on the North and South Entrances of the Batasang Pambansa.

Tents for guests and the RTVM or Radio TV Malacanang are also being set up on the Batasang Pambansa premises.

However, to save time, the reception line, where the president greets members of Congress, was removed.

Adasa also said the SONA itself would not exceed 30 minutes, compared to previous SONAs that lasted several hours.

He likewise said adjustments made to the lighting system of the session hall for a more "cinematic" feeling, as instructed by filmaker Brillante Mendoza, who is directing Duterte's SONA.

"They were asking for some adjustments on our lights. Medyo 'di masyadong maliwanag. Parang may dimmer in certain areas na gagamitin natin. This is being supervised by Director Mendoza," Adasa said.

Adasa added that Duterte has picked Bayang Barrios to sing the national anthem.

Classical singer Gerphyl Flores, on the other hand, will perform during the cocktail reception.

As for the food to be served for VIPs, Adasa said the House allotted only P200,000 for the more simplified menu. This is a far cry from the cocktails and steak served in the previous SONA.

"Ngayon, nakikita ko may mga fried banana tsaka merong bite sandwiches na may kesong puti," Adasa said. — with Joseph Tristan Roxas/VVP, GMA News