On June 5, 2018, Joyce Bernal who is known for her romance comedy films, was selected to direct the 2018 State of the Nation Address.

She was recommended by actor Robin Padilla to President Rodrigo Duterte with the head of state approving the suggestion.

[1] Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was installed as Speaker of the House of Representatives with 161 members voting for her appointment.

Pantaleon Alvarez disputes the appointment and his allies blocked the declaration of the position as vacant.

He also mentioned the Philippines partnership with Malaysia and Indonesia against piracy in their shared maritime borders as well as the country's cooperation with China against illegal drugs.