MANILA — In a notable departure from tradition, the House of Representatives has stripped down the pageantry surrounding today’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., removing red carpet installations and canceling staged ceremonies as a gesture of solidarity with Filipinos affected by recent widespread flooding.
House spokesperson Princess Abante confirmed that the iconic red carpets at the south and north lobbies have been removed.
“Only the red carpets at the main entrance of the Session Hall and Rear Entrance will remain, and there will be no staged ceremonies, fashion coverage, or photo setups in the red carpet area,” she said in a statement.
The move comes at the request of House Speaker and Leyte 1st District’s Cong. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who called for a more subdued SONA atmosphere out of respect for calamity-stricken communities.
Abante said the changes were formally issued through a memorandum by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco on July 25, directed to all lawmakers.
The memo stated: “In view of the recent calamities affecting several regions of the country, the following adjustments will be implemented for the Opening of the 20th Congress and the State of the Nation Address on July 28, 2025.”
Only brief doorstop interviews will be allowed during the event, Abante added, and all media coverage will be subject to standard security and accreditation protocols.
She also noted that while formal attire is still expected, lawmakers have been “respectfully urged to avoid ostentatious displays” and to exercise restraint in their fashion choices. Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana are still encouraged to “reflect the dignity and solemnity of the occasion.”
“These adjustments reflect our solidarity with affected communities and our commitment to uphold the dignity of this national gathering,” Abante emphasized./PN
