Risa Hontiveros says 'it's better' having no SONA red carpet
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros believes every State of the Nation Address should be as simple as how Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth SONA is being observed.
In an interview with the media including Philstar.com upon her arrival at the Batasang Pambansa, Hontiveros was asked for her reaction the SONA being toned down.
"Dapat siguro matagal na. It's better. Nandoon din naman sa batas di ba? Yung code of conduct naming mga nagtatrabaho sa gobyerno. Nandon po yung simple lifestyle, living within our means," Hontiveros said.
"Dapat lang kasi karamihan naman ng mga Pilipino ni yung basic hindi pa talaga may security," the senator added.
The 2025 SONA was far different from previous SONAs where attendees showed up in elegant dresses and outfits like a fashion show.
Related: LOOK: Stage set for SONA 2025 sans red carpet
This year however, no red carpets were placed in the North and South Wings were attendees passed through en route to the plenary hall.
"There will be no staged ceremonies, fashion coverage, or photo setups in the red carpet area," a memo from House Secretary Reginald Velasco said last week.
Rep. Martin Romualdez (Leyte, 1st District), who was re-elected as House Speaker, requested last Thursday (July 24) to scrap the red carpet fashion show given the Philippines' distressing conditions, with storms keeping towns flooded and thousands in evacuation centers.
According to Romualdez, having a red carpet would be "out of touch" while the country grapples with rehabilitation efforts following continuous tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
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