SEVERAL members of the House of Representatives on Friday expressed their support for the call of Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, former Speaker of the 19th Congress, to tone down the pomp, pageantry, and expenditures in this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
The appeal is intended to show the empathy of lawmakers and those in government for victims of the succession of typhoons that struck many parts of the country this week.
“I fully support the call of Speaker Martin Romualdez to simplify the conduct of this year’s SONA. It is a respectful and compassionate gesture, one that recognizes the pain and hardship that many of our kababayan are going through because of the recent flooding,” Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said.
“In times like this, government must lead not only with policies, but with empathy. By toning down the pomp and ceremony, we send a powerful message: that our focus is, and must always be, on the people, especially those who are suffering. This is leadership with a heart, and I stand firmly with the Speaker in this decision,” he said.
Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor said a simpler SONA is also in keeping with the constitutional command for public officials to lead modest lives.
“Tama lang na hindi dapat magarbo ang SONA. It should reflect the constitutional duty of those in public office to act with utmost integrity and lead modest lives,” he said.
Supporting Rep. Romualdez’s call, Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo said, “Sumasangayon tayo sa panawagan ni Speaker Martin na gawing simple ang SONA. Ang importante sa SONA ay marinig natin ang direction ng administration para makatulong sa ating bansa at sa bawat Pilipino.”
Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun said what is important is that the President’s SONA focuses on where the country is going.
“We fully support Speaker Martin’s call to keep the President’s 4th SONA simple. The significance of the occasion lies not in grandeur, but in honoring the achievements of the administration and focusing on the goals still ahead for our country,” Khonghun said.
“In response, we’ve chosen a simple and meaningful attire and approach – one that reflects respect for the occasion and highlights the message of unity and hope that the President aims to deliver to the nation,” he said
“What truly matters is the direction our country is taking — and in this, we stand in full support,” Khonghun stressed.
Echoing his Zambales colleague’s statement, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V said of Speaker Romualdez’s appeal: “It’s the right call. The SONA isn’t about spectacle – it’s about substance.”
“Stripping away the pageantry puts the spotlight where it belongs: on the real state of the nation and the roadmap for action,” he said.
Bulacan Rep. Agatha Cruz said she appreciates the “sentiment expressed by our Speaker and supports his call for simplicity.”
“I view the SONA as a working joint session and it is only appropriate that it be observed with formality but without unnecessary extravagance or pageantry,” Cruz said.
Iloilo Rep. Jam Baronda, Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Robert Nazal, Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Anthony Santos also expressed full support on Rep. Romualdez’s call to tone down the SONA, urging the attendees to focus on unity and symbolism.
“I agree with the Speaker and my colleagues for a toned-down SONA 2025. I have no qualms about it as I have always dressed decently sans the grandiosity these past SONAs. And I shall continue to do that or even be more simple to honor the sanctity of the event,” said Baronda.
“I fully support the call to keep the SONA simple as a show of solidarity with those affected by the recent floods. In times of crisis, leaders must act with empathy and genuine concern for the people. This is not just symbolic. It sends a clear message that government must stay sensitive to the struggles of ordinary Filipinos and focus on serving them, especially in their most difficult moments,” Nazal said.
Santos expressed full support, emphasizing the need to prioritize unity and ceremonial dignity over divisive rhetoric.
Santos echoed the Speaker’s call to highlight the traditional elegance of the red carpet and preserve the symbolism of the occasion, instead of dwelling heavily on polarizing policy debates and controversies—such as the ongoing issues.
“The SONA is a moment for the Filipino people to witness the state of the nation with hope, dignity, and pride. While pressing issues like water privatization deserve scrutiny, today’s focus should be on inspiring national unity and institutional respect,” Santos emphasized.
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