By Noreen Jazul
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Duterte will not defend himself from critics and detractors in his fourth State of the Nation Address, but will instead "educate" them.
President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his speech during his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Congress.
(Jansen Romero / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
While still uncertain as to what will comprise the President's speech, Panelo said Duterte will likely touch on "important issues" instead of presenting his administration's accomplishments.
"He will be touching na yung mga importanteng issue...like yung saWest Philippine Sea, like yung sa International Criminal Court (ICC), sa Iceland, like yung sa drugs," Panelo said in an interview with ANC Thursday.
When asked if the President will defend himself from such issues, Panelo said: "No, never naman defensive si President."
The President, according to Panelo, will instead "educate the critics and detractors of the falsity and wrongness of their stand", particularly on the issue on the West Philippine Sea.
"Nayayamot lang siya na hindi naiintidhian ng mga critics and detractors yung complexity pag sinisimply niyo lahat ito eh, " Panelo said.
The presidential spokesperson said the President was adopting an "intelligent, practical, cautious" approach with China.
"Di lang naman yung insidente sa West Philippine Sea ang i-co-consider mo ang dami nating relasyon sa China," Panelo said.