MANILA – House Speaker Martin Romualdez called for the simplification of red carpet and ceremonial arrangements for the opening of the 20th Congress and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), citing the need for sensitivity following the recent onslaught of tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong.

“It would be out of touch to maintain a show of pageantry while our people are still in recovery,” said Romualdez, who served as House Speaker in the 19th Congress.

The lawmaker said he has asked the Office of the Secretary General to retain formal protocols while foregoing red carpet fanfare, fashion coverage, and elaborate ceremonial staging.

“We will still observe decorum and tradition, but without the spectacle. The red carpet will be used for its functional purpose, not as a platform for display,” said Romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association.

Romualdez emphasized that members of Congress remain free to speak with the media upon arrival, but urged colleagues to embrace a more grounded and focused tone.

“This is not about restricting access or silencing anyone. It’s about setting the tone: focused, grounded and responsive,” he said.

“The opening of Congress is not a fashion event, it is a working session. Let’s begin it with the seriousness and humility our times demand,” he added.

The 20th Congress is scheduled to formally open on July 28, followed by President Marcos Jr.’s annual address to the nation.