Inquirer
Out of respect to flood victims, senators call for a toned-down Sona
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).
They believe the ceremonies should acknowledge the suffering of Filipinos impacted by recent calamities, particularly widespread flooding.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri echoed these sentiments, urging a toned-down SONA and criticizing the "Red Carpet fashionista walks complete with diamonds."
Senator Ejercito questioned why the SONA has become a "fashion show and a display of outfits and accessories, like it's the Oscars."
Senator Legarda emphasized that the occasion should focus on finding solutions to pressing national problems and not be out of touch with the country's current state.
As a proponent of climate resilience and disaster preparedness, Legarda highlighted the need to direct government attention towards urgent environmental issues and flood mitigation efforts.
In a gesture of solidarity with disaster victims, the Senate leadership is considering canceling the traditional red carpet walk before the SONA.
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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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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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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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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a halt to preparations for his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) due to continuous rains and widespread flooding.
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Senator Risa Hontiveros supports the simpler, no-red-carpet format for President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
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