The Philippine Online Chronicles

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's ninth State of the Nation Address will cover education and economy, said press secretary Cerge Remonde.

“I want to tell you that during the SONA...President Macapagal Arroyo will shine the spotlight on education, because all Filipinos, especially the young people and the poor, hold education sacred as a way to a better life,” said Remonde in a Sunday radio interview.

“The expectations that tomorrow’s SONA is politics as usual are not true,” he added. “The SONA tomorrow will underscore the President’s dedication, commitment and progress to put people first.”

Despite calls for the president to own up to the scandals that have plagued her administration and for a clear statement that she is stepping down from power, the SONA will focus on her achievements. It remains unknown whether the president will discuss Charter change in her speech.