THE traditional red carpet will not be rolled out for the opening of the 20th Congress on Monday, Senate President Francis Escudero announced.
At the House of Representatives, the stance by Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G, Romualdez for austere preparations for the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gained wide support among his colleagues.
“No red carpet at the Senate… with suitable access and opportunity for media to perform their job of covering the Lawmakers opening,” Escudero said in a statement.
He said the Senate continues to work despite persistent bad weather, with inspections and preparations for Monday’s session ongoing.
“The weather remains harsh, but work at the Senate continues,” Escudero noted.
Meanwhile, the Senate Spouses Foundation Inc. (SSFI), led by Heart Evangelista-Escudero, immersed in relief operations at communities hit by recent storms.
Earlier, SSFI personnel were seen repacking relief items for storm-hit residents of Bulacan province which has been heavily affected by days of continuous rain and flooding caused by Typhoon Crising and other weather systems.
More than 1,000 relief packs have been prepared for distribution in Calumpit and Malolos City.
Each pack contains rice, canned goods, instant noodles, milk, and hygiene products aimed at meeting immediate needs.
Romualdez’s idea of simple celebration for the SONA was meant to show emphathy for the victims of the harsh weather conditions that struck many parts of the country over the past week.
“I fully support the call of Speaker Martin Romualdez to simplify the conduct of this year’s SONA. It is a respectful and compassionate gesture, one that recognizes the pain and hardship that many of our kababayan are going through because of the recent flooding,” Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said.
“In times like this, government must lead not only with policies, but with empathy. By toning down the pomp and ceremony, we send a powerful message: that our focus is, and must always be, on the people, especially those who are suffering. This is leadership with a heart, and I stand firmly with the Speaker in this decision,” he added.
Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor also said a simpler SONA is also in keeping with the constitutional command for public officials to lead modest lives.
“It is only but proper that SONA will be simple). It should reflect the constitutional duty of those in public office to act with utmost integrity and lead modest lives,” Defensor said.
Others in agreement included Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo who said in Filipino; “We agree with Speaker Martin’s call to simplify SONA. The important thing in SONA is that we listen to the direction of the administration to help our country and every Filipino.”
“We are one with the call to simplify the preparations and holding of SONA. It should not be made simple this year because there is a calamity, but it should be for everyone to make a SONA,” Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said.
“At all times, the government’s priority is to put the people first and use the government’s resources to improve the condition of our country,’ she added.
Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun stressed that what is important is that the President’s SONA focuses on where the country is heading.
“We fully support Speaker Martin’s call to keep the President’s 4th SONA simple. The significance of the occasion lies not in grandeur, but in honoring the achievements of the administration and focusing on the goals still ahead for our country,” Khonghun said.
“In response, we’ve chosen a simple and meaningful attire and approach – one that reflects respect for the occasion and highlights the message of unity and hope that the President aims to deliver to the nation,” he said.
Echoing his Zambales colleague’s statement, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V said of Speaker Romualdez’s appeal: “It’s the right call. The SONA isn’t about spectacle – it’s about substance.”
“Stripping away the pageantry puts the spotlight where it belongs: on the real state of the nation and the roadmap for action,” he said.
Bulacan Rep. Agatha Cruz said she appreciates the “sentiment expressed by our Speaker and supports his call for simplicity.”
“I view the SONA as a working joint session and it is only appropriate that it be observed with formality but without unnecessary extravagance or pageantry,” Cruz said.
Iloilo Rep. Jam Baronda, Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Robert Nazal, Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Anthony Santos also expressed full support for Romualdez’s call to tone down the SONA preparations, urging the attendees to focus on unity and symbolism.
“I agree with the Speaker and my colleagues for a toned-down SONA 2025. I have no qualms about it as I have always dressed decently sans the grandiosity these past SONAs. And I shall continue to do that or even be more simple to honor the sanctity of the event,” said Baronda.
“I fully support the call to keep the SONA simple as a show of solidarity with those affected by the recent floods. In times of crisis, leaders must act with empathy and genuine concern for the people. This is not just symbolic. It sends a clear message that government must stay sensitive to the struggles of ordinary Filipinos and focus on serving them, especially in their most difficult moments,” Nazal said.
Santos expressed full support, emphasizing the need to prioritize unity and ceremonial dignity over divisive rhetoric.
Santos echoed the Speaker’s call to highlight the traditional elegance of the red carpet and preserve the symbolism of the occasion, instead of dwelling heavily on polarizing policy debates and controversies—such as the ongoing issues.
“The SONA is a moment for the Filipino people to witness the state of the nation with hope, dignity, and pride,” Santos emphasized.
