Romualdez calls for no-red-carpet SONA due to storm recovery

Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has called for a no-red-carpet State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, emphasizing the need to tone down the opening ceremonies due to ongoing recovery efforts from recent storms and monsoon rains.

Romualdez argued that maintaining elaborate pageantry would be insensitive given the displacement and destruction caused by typhoons Crising, Dante, and Emong, urging the Office of the Secretary General to retain formal protocols but eliminate red carpet fanfare, fashion coverage, and ceremonial staging.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco issued a memo on Friday outlining austere arrangements for the SONA, stating there will be no staged ceremonies or photo setups in the red carpet area.

The memo also urged members of Congress to avoid ostentatious displays and exercise discretion in their wardrobe choices to reflect solidarity with those affected by recent calamities.

Progressive groups are set to stage a rally on that day, calling for measures to improve healthcare and provide workers with living wages.

Despite ongoing rainy weather conditions, President Marcos Jr.'s SONA will proceed as planned, with simpler ceremonial arrangements in place to reflect the current recovery efforts.