IN PHOTOS: #SONA2020: SONA fashion in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic
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President Rodrigo Duterte's fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) held on July 27, 2020, is definitely unlike any other that came before it.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional way of conducting the SONA has definitely been disrupted.
As the number of COVID-19 cases in the country continue to rise, so is the need to take more precautions in order to stop the spread of the dreaded disease.
That's why, contrary to the past SONA traditions, strict safety protocols were implemented, days before the actual SONA and during the actual event.
Only 50 officials and lawmakers were invited to hear the President's SONA in person, and they all took a mandatory COVID-19 test. Others witnessed the SONA virtually, including Vice President Leni Robredo.
Hours before the SONA, it was revealed by Senator Bong Go that some of the 50 people invited to physically attend the SONA tested positive for COVID-19, including Deputy Speaker Johnny Pimentel.
With health and safety being the topmost priorities during this uncertain time, it is completely understandable why most of the attendees opted to go for a more practical, simpler outfit for this year's SONA.
But of course, simple can still be tasteful and stylish, as fashion, resourcefulness, creativity, and inspiration can all still be very much alive even during a health crisis.
And even those who attended the event virtually made an effort to look presentable and well put together, as they would if the circumstances were different and they can walk in the SONA's red carpet.
See what some public officials, lawmakers, and notable personalities wore to this year's extraordinary SONA -regardless if they attended via Zoom or were physically present--and find out who designed their outfits and what interesting story lies behind their SONA ensemble during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
