House Leaders Call for Austerity in 2025 State of the Nation Address
In light of the recent devastating heavy rains affecting many Filipino families, leaders of the 19th Congress’ House of Representatives have urged colleagues to practice austerity during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (Sona). This call for simplicity aims to show solidarity with those struggling due to the calamities, local leaders noted.
Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin shared in an online interview that the House is taking contingency measures for the Sona scheduled on Monday, July 28, at the Batasang Pambansa plenary hall in Quezon City. She emphasized that the event should reflect respect for the affected communities rather than extravagance.
Priority Shift to Public Service and Safety
Garin explained that during discussions about attendee safety amid severe weather, 19th Congress Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez suggested a partial shift in priorities. “With the extent of the calamity, there should really be a shift in priorities, not a total shift, but a partial shift, where our austerity measures should be in place so that more funds would be allocated to the needs of every Filipino family,” she said.
The call for a simpler Sona means avoiding grand displays or fashion extravaganzas. “The most important thing is public service,” Garin added. The House plans to limit expenses to equipment that will serve ongoing congressional operations beyond the event.
Symbolic Simplicity and Practical Spending
Part of the austerity plan includes symbolic gestures like simple dressing during the Sona to demonstrate unity with those affected by the floods. “The Sona should not be projected as an event for the elite. It is an event for the people, for our people to know what the government’s plans are, and where they would fit in these objectives,” Garin noted.
Further measures involve limiting the number of attendees inside the plenary hall and providing modest food. Any purchased items will be practical tools for the day-to-day work of Congress rather than decorative or luxurious.
Despite the ongoing weather challenges, Garin clarified that the House intends to proceed with the Sona. Weather forecasts predict improved conditions by Monday, ensuring the president can travel safely by land.
Calls for a Meaningful Sona Amid Calamities
Earlier, Akbayan party-list Representative Percival Cendaña also urged for a toned-down Sona. He stressed that government officials should remain sensitive to the hardships caused by recent rains and floods. Cendaña emphasized that the essence of the Sona, as mandated by the 1987 Constitution, is for the president to report on achievements—not to host a fashion show.
Government offices and schools in Metro Manila and nearby provinces have suspended work due to heavy flooding caused by Tropical Storm Crising, the southwest monsoon, Tropical Storm Dante, and Typhoon Emong. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), seven deaths and three missing persons are linked to these weather events.
Presidential Displeasure on Sona Preparations Amid Disaster
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while visiting the United States, expressed disappointment over some government personnel prioritizing the Sona preparations over disaster response. He called for a halt in Sona-related activities, describing the decision to set up materials amid flooding as “highly inappropriate.”
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin echoed the president’s dismay, noting that many communities were still battling floodwaters. Marcos assured the public that he has corrected the situation and that such misjudgments will not recur.
Meanwhile, the House spokesperson reported that preparations for the Sona are nearly complete, with 90 to 95 percent readiness. No plans to postpone the event have been discussed, despite the weather concerns.
For more news and updates on the 2025 State of the Nation Address, visit Filipinokami.com.
