MANILA, Philippines – Around 3,000 guests were invited to witness President Rodrigo Duterte's 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, July 23, 2018 at the Plenary Hall of the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.
Lawmakers and their spouses were urged to dress simply and modestly according to the code. The change was observed since Duterte started to lead the nation in 2016. Wearing tuxedos, evening gowns, or elaborate outfits are discouraged.
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The dress code is still business attire or Barong for men, and Filipiniana dress at knee length for women.
“The SONA is not an ostentatious fashion show or a dress rehearsal. This day is more of people wanting to know the situation of our country and what the President plans to do about it, please don’t steal the show from them," spokesperson Alan A. Tanjusay of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) said.
Here's what they wore at the 17th Congress and for #SONA2018 (refresh page for more photos):
Meanwhile, President Duterte is donning a Barong Tagalog designed by Bonie Adaza of Chardin-House of Style in Davao City.
Lawmakers and their spouses were urged to dress simply and modestly according to the code. The change was observed since Duterte started to lead the nation in 2016. Wearing tuxedos, evening gowns, or elaborate outfits are discouraged.
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The dress code is still business attire or Barong for men, and Filipiniana dress at knee length for women.
“The SONA is not an ostentatious fashion show or a dress rehearsal. This day is more of people wanting to know the situation of our country and what the President plans to do about it, please don’t steal the show from them," spokesperson Alan A. Tanjusay of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) said.
Here's what they wore at the 17th Congress and for #SONA2018 (refresh page for more photos):
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| Senators on their traditional family photo after today’s opening of the 3rd regular session of the 17th Congress |via Red Santos, office of Sen. Migz Zubiri) |
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| Nancy Binay in Randy Ortiz gown | via Twitter/marie ann los banos |
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| Jinkee Pacquiao in Michael Leyva's dress | via Instagram/michaelleyva |
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| People's Champ Manny Pacquiao in barong Tagalog and wife Jinkee Pacquiao | via Instagram/michaelleyva |
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| Senator Risa Hontiveros is wearing Piña Jusi dress paired with a bolero with butterfly sleeves to show support for the women of Lumban, Laguna | via Instagram/Risa Hontiveros |
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| Senator Risa Hontiveros is wearing Piña Jusi dress paired with a bolero with butterfly sleeves to show support for the women of Lumban, Laguna | via Instagram/Risa Hontiveros |
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| Senator Bam Aquino with his special guest during the Opening of the Senate session today | via Twitter/Bam Aquino |
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| Heart Evangelista in white modern Filipiniana | via Instagram/iamhearte |
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| Heart Evangelista and Senator Chiz Escudero | via Twitter/MAgerINQ |
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| Former Pres. Joseph Estrada arrived in Batasang Pambansa to attend SONA 2018 | via Twitter/ANC |
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| ACT Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio printed his protest message in his Barong Tagalog | via Twitter/ANC |
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| President Duterte's son Baste Duterte and his partner Kate Necesario get ready for SONA 2018 | via Twitter/ANC |
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| DepEd Sec. Leonor Briones attends SONA 2018 | via Twitter/ANC |
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| Sec. Martin Andanar in Barong Tagalog made of Tesoro fabric and wife Alelee in Inno Sotto | via Twitter/ANC |
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| Vice President Leni Robredo and her daughters attend SONA 2018 | via Twitter/Leni Robredo |
Meanwhile, President Duterte is donning a Barong Tagalog designed by Bonie Adaza of Chardin-House of Style in Davao City.
According to Section 4(h) of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees: lawmakers and government employees “shall not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form.”
In 2013, late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago had planned to file a resolution for the proper dress code at SONA.
— The Summit Express
