‘SONA is not a fashion show!’

Her reminder comes as this year’s SONA is being held under stricter austerity measures, with House officials removing the traditional red carpet and discouraging extravagant displays in a bid to direct public attention back to the President’s report on the country’s condition.

Over the years, the arrival of lawmakers and their guests at the Batasang Pambansa has evolved into one of the country’s biggest fashion spectacles, with television networks devoting extensive airtime to gowns, barongs, jewelry, luxury bags, and designer labels. The annual event has often been compared to Hollywood’s Oscars and the Met Gala.

The focus on fashion has repeatedly drawn criticism from observers who argue that lavish displays of wealth appear disconnected from the issues discussed during the President’s speech, including inflation, poverty, employment, healthcare, education, and other national concerns.

The debate is not new. In 2013, the late Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago proposed requiring lawmakers to wear a simple official uniform during the SONA, saying extravagant attire was inappropriate during periods of public hardship. The Duterte administration also encouraged guests to wear simpler business attire instead of elaborate gowns.

This year, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco ordered the removal of the traditional red carpet and scaled back fashion-focused activities as part of austerity measures aimed at restoring the spotlight to the State of the Nation Address itself.

San Diego’s post quickly gained traction online, with many social media users agreeing that the annual event should be remembered for the President’s message and the country’s pressing challenges—not for the outfits worn by public officials.

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