The House of Representatives will still roll down its red carpet for Very Important Persons during the first State-of-the-Nation Address of President Duterte on July 25.
Incoming House Speaker and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez said while House members will strictly don simple business outfits, foreign dignitaries and other VIP guests will be accorded the red carpet treatment.
“There will be red carpet to give importance to our visitors but simple business attire,” Alvarez said in a text message.
He said the simple dress code policy is in line with Duterte’s simplicity in governance.
The country’s 16th Chief Executive used to wear checkered polo shirts which sometimes look un-ironed, denim pants, and boots.
During his inauguration last June 30, Duterte was clad in a locally designed Mindanao silk barong, with a small Philippine flag emblazoned on his left chest, and sported khaki pants.
Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe said Alvarez informed them that the House members can wear business attire, signaling the traditional
fashion show in Congress or the parade of stars during SoNA is already dead.
Batocabe said it would be better for his colleagues and other visitors to observe simplicity and modesty in their outfit during SoNA so that they would not be put in an embarrassing and awkward situation. (Charissa M. Luci)