Lawmakers Urge Sober State of the Nation Address Amid Flood Crisis

Call for Simplified SONA Amidst National Recovery Efforts

Lawmakers are advocating for a stripped-down State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, urging a move away from customary fanfare to acknowledge the widespread flooding affecting many Filipinos. This plea comes as President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. prepares to deliver his fourth address.

Call for Grounded Tone

Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez has requested the Office of the Secretary General to forgo the traditional red carpet and elaborate staging. He emphasized that maintaining ostentatious displays would appear out of touch while citizens are grappling with the aftermath of severe weather.

“Mayy of our fellow Filipinos are struggling to get back on their feet. It would be out of touch to maintain a show of pageantry while our people are still in recovery,”

—Martin Romualdez, Leyte Representative

Romualdez clarified that this is not about limiting media access but about setting a tone of seriousness and humility. He views the opening of Congress as a working session, not a fashion event.

Support for a Subdued Ceremony

Iloilo Representative Janette Garin echoed Romualdez‘s sentiment, stating that the President’s message, not the ceremony’s grandeur, is paramount. She stressed the importance of projecting unity with the populace, particularly those affected by the storms.

“We have to dress simply so people will be able to feel that we are one with them. SONA should not be projected as an event for the elite. It is an event for the people, for our people to know of the government’s plans and how they are able to benefit from it,”

—Janette Garin, Iloilo Representative

Meanwhile, Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri called for the pageantry to be toned down or eliminated entirely.

“‘Wag tayong maging kapal mukha o manhid sa pangyayari sa ating mga kababayan at dapat tigilin muna ‘yang mga red carpet fashionista walk na complete with dyamante pa at sana ‘yung mga naglalakad sa baha at exposed sa leptospirosis ang dapat natin intindihin,”

—Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Senator

Senators Loren Legarda and JV Ejercito also voiced their support for a simpler SONA, aligning the event’s tone with the current challenges faced by the nation. Legarda urged that the occasion be used to address pressing issues rather than showcase extravagance. Ejercito added that it is inappropriate to use the event for self-display during such difficult times.

The country has recently experienced significant rainfall and flooding, with some areas experiencing widespread inundation. For instance, a recent report indicated that over 1.2 million people were affected by the enhanced monsoon rains and Typhoon Egay in late July 2023 alone, highlighting the ongoing need for recovery and support.

The First Regular Session of the 20th Congress is scheduled to commence on July 28, preceding the President’s SONA at 4 p.m.