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Risa Hontiveros says 'it's better' having no SONA red carpet
Senator Risa Hontiveros supports the simpler, no-red-carpet format for President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Hontiveros stated that this shift towards a more modest ceremony is long overdue, aligning with the principle of simple living expected of government workers.
She emphasized that given the struggles of many Filipinos, it is appropriate to tone down extravagant events like the SONA.
The senator's comments follow a memorandum from House Secretary General Reginald Velasco announcing the austere holding of SONA 2025.
The memorandum explicitly prohibited staged ceremonies, fashion coverage, and photo setups on the red carpet due to recent calamities.
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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.
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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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Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña proposed a more modest and austere State of the Nation Address (Sona) for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth address, citing the hardships faced by Filipino families due to recent calamities.
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Senators Loren Legarda and Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito are calling for a simpler opening of the 20th Congress and the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA).
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