Chiz: No red carpet at Senate for 20th Congress opening

The Senate will not roll out the red carpet on Monday, July 28, for the opening of the 20th Congress, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said Friday. 

Escudero made the announcement amid the recent weather systems affecting the country. 

“No red carpet at the Senate…with suitable access and opportunity for media to perform their job of covering the opening,” he said. 

The first regular session of the 20th Congress will formally open on July 28, ahead of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at 4 p.m. at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

At the House of Representatives, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco already issued a memo for the austere holding of the SONA, noting that there “will be no staged ceremonies, fashion coverage, or photo setups in the red carpet area.” 

"Members are respectfully urged to avoid ostentatious displays and exercise discretion in their wardrobe choices," the memo added.

Earlier this week, Escudero inspected the facilities of the Senate building and compound in preparation for the start of the 20th Congress. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News