Old and new House members have hailed former Speaker, Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez call to Secretary General Reginald Velasco to tone down this year's conduct of the State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying it's the right thing to do.

This thought was shared by first-term, reelected, and combacking solons in the 20th Congress, as Filipinos continued to reel from the effects of the recent typhoons and floods.

"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," said neophyte Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list Rep. Robert Nazal.

"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," he said.

Fellow rookie lawmaker Bulacan 5th district Rep. Agatha Cruz agreed with Nazal. "I appreciate the sentiment expressed by our Speaker and support 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," she said.

Las Piñas City lone district Rep. Mark Anthony Santos, another neophyte, also expressed full support behind Romualdez’s call to tone down the SONA, as he urged the attendees to focus on unity and what the event symbolizes.

“The SONA is a moment for the Filipino people to witness the state of the nation with hope, dignity, and pride. While pressing issues like water privatization deserve scrutiny, today’s focus should be on inspiring national unity and institutional respect,” Santos said.

Second-termers La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V and Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun--both members of the "Young Guns" bloc--gave similar appreciation for the ex-Speaker's call of conscience.

"It’s the right call. The SONA isn’t about spectacle — it’s about substance," Ortega said, referring to the Chief Executive's annual "report card to the nation".

"Stripping away the pageantry puts the spotlight where it belongs: on the real state of the nation and the roadmap for action," he said.

Khonghun said: "We fully support Speaker Martin’s call to keep the President’s fourth 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."

"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.

"What truly matters is the direction our country is taking — and in this, we stand in full support," Khonghun further said.

Another second-termer, Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña, thanked Romualdez for his appeal. Cendaña, who will form part of the minority bloc in the 20th Congress, was among the first to call for a more austere SONA in light of the disastrous weather.

"Na-appreciate natin na nakikiisa si Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez sa ating panawagan na gawing payak ang SONA. Totoong walang lugar ang isang magarang SONA sa gitna ng hirap ng libu-libo nating kababayan na sinasalanta ng bagyo at habagat," he said.

(We appreciate that Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez is standing with us in our call for a simpler SONA. A lavish SONA has no place amid the struggles of thousands of our countrymen battered by storms and the southwest monsoon.)

"Let's set aside the red carpet walk, fashion gala, and the pageantry. Balikan natin ang pangunahing layunin ng SONA. Trabaho ng Presidente na mag-report sa Kongreso at Sambayanan. Trabaho natin ang pakinggan ang kanyang report at himayin ang nilalaman nito," he added.

(Let’s return to the core purpose of the SONA. It is the President’s duty to report to Congress and the Filipino people. And it is our duty to listen to that report and closely examine its contents.)

Other reelected solons Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, Pasig lone district Rep. Roman Romulo, and Iloilo 3rd Rep. Lorenz Defensor also backed the call for a more austere SONA on July 28.

“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,” 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 said.

Defensor chimed in: “Tama lang na hindi dapat magarbo ang SONA (It’s only right not to hold an ostentatious SONA). It should reflect the constitutional duty of those in public office to act with utmost integrity and lead modest lives."

“Sumasangayon tayo sa panawagan ni Speaker Martin na gawing simple ang SONA. Ang importante sa SONA ay marinig natin ang direction ng administration para makatulong sa ating bansa at sa bawat Pilipino,” Romula said.

(We support Speaker Martin’s call to make the SONA simple. What truly matters in the address is hearing the administration’s direction—so we can help our country and every Filipino.)

The returning Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. also echoed the need for the SONA to be toned down.

"I agree with the Speaker, SONA is not the place for ostentatious display. Thoughtless extravagance during periods of public want or calamity will be perceived negatively and will shy away to the real message of SONA," he said.