Congress to Tone Down Pageantry for SONA Amidst National Hardship

MANILA, Philippines – In a critically important shift ⁣from tradition, key figures in the Philippine ⁢Congress have called for a more subdued and solemn state of the Nation Address (SONA), prioritizing national recovery and empathy over elaborate displays of pageantry. The move comes as the nation grapples with the aftermath of recent⁢ widespread flooding.

A Call for Humility and Focus

House Speaker ⁣Martin‍ Romualdez has spearheaded the initiative,requesting the Office of the Secretary General to maintain formal protocols but to forgo the customary red carpet fanfare,fashion coverage,and extensive ceremonial staging.

“We have to maintain a show ⁢of pageantry‍ while our people⁢ are still in recovery,” Romualdez stated, ⁢emphasizing the need for a tone that is “focused, grounded and responsive.” He⁣ clarified that while decorum and tradition will be observed, the spectacle will be minimized. “The red carpet will⁣ be used for its functional purpose, not as a platform for display,” he added.

Romualdez also assured ‍that members⁢ of the House woudl still be ⁣free to speak with journalists upon arrival, a customary practice. “This is not about restricting access or silencing⁣ anyone,” he asserted.⁤ “the opening of Congress ⁢is not a fashion event, it is a working session.⁤ Let’s begin it with the seriousness and humility our times demand.”

Iloilo Representative Janette Garin echoed this sentiment, arguing that the President’s message, not the pomp, should be the focus. “We have to dress simply so people will be able to feel that we are one with them,” Garin said.”SONA should not be projected as an event for the elite. It is an ⁤event for the people, for our people to know of the government’s ⁣plans and⁣ how ⁤they are able to benefit from it.” She also ⁣noted that budgetary considerations would lean towards practical expenses for daily congressional work, rather than ⁤lavish arrangements.The First Regular Session of the 20th Congress is⁤ scheduled‍ to formally open on July 28, preceding the President’s SONA at 4 ‍pm.

senate Concurs in Call for Simplicity

At the Senate, a similar sentiment prevailed. ‍Senator Juan ⁢Miguel “Migz” Zubiri advocated for toning down or⁤ removing ‍the pageantry “in⁣ deference to all those that are suffering due to the floods that hit all around the Philippines.”

“We should not be a face or a numbness in the event of our countrymen and should stop the red carpet fashionista walks that are complete with diamonds and hopefully those ⁣who ‍are flooding and exposed to leptospirosis should be what we need to understand,” Zubiri stated, urging a focus on the plight of‍ affected citizens.

Senator Loren Legarda also stressed the importance of simplicity, stating that the SONA and the opening⁤ of the Senate session should be “attuned to the times.” She added, “Our people are suffering from the floods. we must use the occasion to solve the problems, to be part of the solution to this long standing problem, and not to be out of touch‍ with the real state of nation.”

Senator JV⁤ Ejercito expressed his hope for “less of the pageantry” in the upcoming presidential address, citing the adverse weather conditions that ⁣have ‍impacted Filipinos. “This is not the opportunity to get ‍up and make it famous. It is not right and should⁢ not,” he concluded.

The collective call from both chambers of⁤ Congress signals a commitment to demonstrating solidarity with the Filipino people during a‍ period of national challenge, prioritizing substance and⁢ empathy over ostentatious displays.