MANILA - The speech of President Rodrigo Duterte for his third State of the Nation Address was delayed as the House of Representatives grappled with a leadership row.
As of writing, Duterte had yet to start his speech, which was supposed to start at around 4 p.m. The delay was encountered as the lower chamber dealt with the sudden change of leadership at the House of Representatives.
As Duterte was about to arrive at the Batasan Pambansa, former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn in as the new Speaker, replacing Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez.
As of posting, Duterte was still with Congress leaders at the holding room of the Batasan Pambansa.
SONA 2018, house of representatives, rodrigo duterte, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, pantaleon alvarez