MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Hollywood actor George Clooney, husband of that infamous international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, was not tapped to direct Philippine President Bongbong Marcos’ first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Instead, Paul Soriano was appointed to be the director of the signature event which will be held on Monday, July 25.

Soriano, who is the nephew of Marcos’ wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, confirmed his role in the upcoming event.

Press Secretary Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles told The Adobo Chronicles that Clooney’s non-selection had nothing to do with recent comments by his wife criticizing the Philippine government for the cyber libel conviction of her ”client” Maria Ressa.