Lawmaker’s Sona fashion statement: Transparent but not risqué

What’s transparent but not risqué, and wearable to an important occasion like President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (Sona)?

A Freedom of Information-inspired barong Tagalog that Edgar San Diego has designed for Bayan Muna Representative Teodoro Casiño, the principal author of one of the FOI bills pending in Congress, House Bill No. 133 (“An Act to Ensure Public Access to Official Records, Documents and Any Other Information of Public Concern”).

Casiño himself confirmed his unique garment in an interview with Kumpadres Chito de la Vega and Willie Matawaran on Radyo Inquirer Friday night.

“Yes, it’s about the FOI; that’s why it has to be transparent. But then I’d ease out the Philippine Volcanoes,” he said in jest.

The Philippine Volcanoes are members of the country’s rugby team whose ad billboards showing them in their underwear had been taken down for being “offensive.”

‘Right to know’

In a statement sent to reporters with a sketch of Casiño’s barong, designer San Diego said the garment was made of silk with isometric embroidery.

On the front side is a detachable piece of textile with the embroidered message “Right to know. Right now.”

The FOI is one of Casiño’s pet bills that has remained pending in Congress. It was the last bill archived during the Arroyo administration.

The passage of the FOI bill was one of the promises made by President Aquino during his campaign.

In the 2009 Sona, Casiño wore a barong inspired by the call to stop political killings. It was also designed by San Diego.

This year, the fashion statement is a message for Mr. Aquino and the House leadership to act quickly and pass the FOI bill, Casiño said.

“This is one of two key measures that will vastly improve transparency and accountability in government,” he said.

San Diego is a multiawarded designer and a pioneering member of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines, of which he was elected president for three terms.