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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Conscionable changes: House directive gets rid of red carpet fanfare in this year's SONA

Conscionable changes: House directive gets rid of red carpet fanfare in this year's SONA

Published Jul 25, 2025 12:43 pm  |  Updated Jul 25, 2025 03:50 pm

At A Glance

  • The House of Representatives has updated it red carpet protocols to enforce the "no fashion show" directive that had been requested by congressmen for this year's State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The House of Representatives (PPAB)
The House of Representatives (PPAB)


The House of Representatives has updated it red carpet protocols to enforce the "no fashion show" directive that had been requested by congressmen for this year's State of the Nation Address (SONA).
On Friday, July 25--as many Filipinos continue to reel from the effects of recent typhoons and consequent floods--House Secretary General Reginald Velasco issued a one-page memorandum detailing the conscionable changes.
"In view of the recent calamitics affecting several regions of the country, the following adjustments will be implemented for the Opening of the 20" Congress and the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025," it read.
"The red ecarpet will be in place strictly for ingress and oficial protocol. There will be no staged ceremonies, fashion coverage, or photo setups in the red carpet area," the memo read.
House members, led by former House Speaker and current Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez, have called for a simpler, more austere SONA in light of the recent disaster.
They notably mentioned that the traditional red carpet gala must go.
"Members are respectfully urged to avoid ostentatious displays and exercise discretion in their wardrobe choices," the directive read.
According to Velasco, formal attire remains a requirement for the event.
"Members are encouraged to wear traditional Barong or Filipiniana, in keeping with the solemn tone of the occasion," the memo read.
"Members may still be approached by media for brief, impromptu interviews (doorstop interviews), subject to standard security and acreditation procedures," it added.
On Friday afternoon, Velasco confirmed that the physical red carpets at both the north wing and south wing lobbies--which are typically used by plenary guests of the SONA--had been removed. The red carpets were laid down last week in preparation for the event.
However, the red carpet at the main lobby remains, as is it a fixture in that part of the House of Representatives.
The House hosts the annual SONA.
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