Philippine Congress Eliminates Glamour for Marcos' 2025 SONA

MANILA, Philippines – In a significant departure from tradition, the Philippine House of Representatives and the Senate have announced the cancellation of red carpet ceremonies and fashion coverage for President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), scheduled for July 28, 2025. This decision aims to express solidarity with communities devastated by recent typhoons, as outlined in a memorandum issued by House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco.

The memorandum specifies that the red carpet will now serve only for ingress and formal protocol, with the usual staged ceremonies and fashion setups being strictly prohibited. Despite these changes, members of Congress will still be allowed to engage with reporters following the address. "These adjustments reflect our solidarity with affected communities and our commitment to uphold the dignity of this national gathering," the memorandum states.

The call for a more subdued SONA follows recent flooding caused by typhoons and the southwest monsoon, which have significantly impacted many areas across the Philippines. Senate President Chiz Escudero echoed this sentiment, confirming that the red carpet would also be removed from the Senate during the opening of the 20th Congress. "No red carpet at the Senate," Escudero remarked, highlighting the collective effort to respect the plight of those affected by natural disasters.

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa has indicated that he does not plan to attend the SONA, reflecting a growing sentiment among some lawmakers regarding the appropriateness of the event in light of recent tragedies. Furthermore, the memorandum encourages attendees to adhere to formal attire, with traditional wear such as the barong or Filipiniana being highly recommended. It emphasizes the need for discretion and urges members to avoid ostentatious displays in their wardrobe choices.

This year’s SONA will mark a notable shift in the ceremonial aspect of the event, which has historically been characterized by glamour and high-profile appearances. The decision to tone down the proceedings is seen as a reflection of the current socio-political climate in the Philippines, where the government is under scrutiny for its response to natural disasters and economic challenges.

Historically, the SONA serves as a platform for the President to report on the state of the nation and outline legislative priorities. The last SONA, delivered in July 2024, was reported as the largest in Philippine history in terms of attendance, raising expectations for public engagement. However, the current context has prompted lawmakers to reassess the significance of such displays amid widespread hardship.

With the upcoming address set against a backdrop of natural disasters and ongoing socio-economic issues, the implications of this year's SONA extend beyond mere ceremonial adjustments. It raises questions about the government's priorities and its responsiveness to the needs of its citizens, particularly those severely affected by unforeseen calamities.

As the nation prepares for this year's address, all eyes will be on President Marcos to see how he addresses the pressing concerns facing the Filipino people, including disaster preparedness, economic recovery, and social equity. The absence of the customary glamour may serve to focus attention on the substantive issues at hand rather than the spectacle that often accompanies political events.

In conclusion, the decision to eliminate the red carpet and fashion coverage from the SONA 2025 symbolizes a shift towards a more somber and respectful commemoration of the realities faced by many Filipinos. As the government grapples with these challenges, the upcoming SONA will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping public perception and engagement moving forward.