“It should be a simple SONA. It shouldn’t be flashy, it shouldn’t be like a fashion show…At the end of the day, the most important thing is service to the people.” — Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin
This year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) will be marked by visible austerity, as the House leadership implements cost-saving and simplified arrangements in light of recent flooding and other climate-induced calamities across the country, Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin said.
C Garin said, citing suggestions from Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Speaker of the House during the 19th Congress.
The scaled-down approach includes removing red carpet fanfare, limiting unnecessary floral arrangements and decorations, and forgoing lavish catering.
The House has also refrained from any major procurement specific to the SONA.
“There will be no additional procurement on many aspects simply because of the SONA,” Garin said.
According to Garin, even the food arrangements have been scaled back.
“It will be simple—maybe just a snack because of course the people will be there all day,” she said.
A memorandum signed by House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco said there will be no more staged ceremonies, fashion coverage, and photo setups during today’s SONA.
“These adjustments reflect our solidarity with affected communities and our commitment to uphold the dignity of this national gathering,” Velasco said.
“Members are respectfully urged to avoid ostentatious displays and exercise discretion in their wardrobe choices,” he added.
The Senate will implement the same protocol when it opens its session today.
“No red carpet at the Senate,” Senator Francis Escudero said.
Escudero said there will only be “suitable access and opportunity for media to perform their job of covering the opening.”
