No red carpet: Senators back call vs SONA pageantry

The Senate will not be rolling out the red carpet during the opening of its session on Monday, an official said.

- —With Jose Rodel Clapano, Marc Jayson Cayabyab

"No red carpet. As in the previous years, there will be designated areas where the media would have ample opportunity to cover the opening session," Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. told reporters yesterday.

Bantug said he was instructed by Sen. Francis Escudero to prepare contingency plans in case of heavy rains.

He added that the Senate would ensure smooth traffic flow and safe entry and exit for guests and employees should bad weather occur.

During the opening of the regular session of Congress, senators convene in the morning at the Senate session hall in Pasay City to formally mark the start of the 20th Congress. The proceedings typically include the election of officers and ceremonial remarks from the Senate leadership.

In the afternoon, senators proceed to the House of Representatives in Quezon City to join their counterparts for the joint session of Congress, where President Marcos will deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA) before lawmakers, members of the diplomatic corps and other invited guests.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has also scaled down its usual red carpet setup, removing the traditional carpets from the South and North Lobbies as part of austerity measures and in solidarity with communities affected by recent calamities.

House spokesperson Princess Abante said the move follows a request from Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and was outlined in a memorandum issued by House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco.

The changes aim to reflect empathy for disaster-stricken areas and preserve the solemnity of the national event.

"In view of the recent calamities affecting several regions of the country, the following adjustments will be implemented for the Opening of the 20th Congress and the State of the Nation Address on July 28," the memo read.