Inquirer
Sona 2025: As promised, House removes red carpet in north, south wings
The House of Representatives has canceled red carpet ceremonies and fashion coverage for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Union Address (SONA) on July 28 to express solidarity with typhoon-affected communities.
The new policy specifies that red carpets will only be present at the main entrance of the Session Hall and Rear Entrance, strictly for ingress and official protocol, with no staged ceremonies or photo setups.
House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco confirmed the adjustments, which were requested by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez due to the current conditions in the country.
Lawmakers may still be approached by media for brief, impromptu interviews, subject to security and accreditation procedures.
This toned-down approach to the SONA red carpet, removing it from the north and south wings, aligns with previous measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has called for a toned-down State of the Nation Address (SONA) and opening of the 20th Congress, urging the removal of red carpet and ceremonial fanfare.
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