‘Insensitive’: Group hits P20 million Sona 2024 budget, rules on outfits

MANILA, Philippines — The P20-million budget for the 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona), which covers meals, renovation, and other materials for the event, is “insensitive” and could already cover over 400,000 kilograms of rice, Kabataan Party-list said on Thursday.

In a statement, the party-list also mentioned how meager the funds of the Department of Education’s school-based feeding programs in 10 regions are compared to the budget of the Sona.

READ: House: P20-M Sona budget covers food, renovation, materials

“This is so insensitive to the everyday struggles of Filipinos that is the main agenda of the Sona. This isn’t the MET gala. This is the Marcos brand of vlogger governance: dazzle your audience to hide the real, rotten state of the nation,” said Kabataan Partylist Executive Vice President Renee Co.

“Let’s touch some grass. If they want to make history with the ‘biggest Sona,’ then allow the people to enter the Batasang Pambansa. Let the protesters come nearer to the gilded halls of Congress so the people’s calls and grievances can be heard and addressed,” she added.

On July 9, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco revealed that the budget also covers the uniforms of approximately 2,000 Secretariat employees, security expenses, meetings, preparations, and even decorations for the event, among other things.

Velasco likewise warned guests that they will be banned from attending the Sona if they wear outfits with derogatory words or political messages.

“Because this is Sona. It’s not a day of protest; if you want to, some areas are reserved for your protest or demonstration. This is not the place or time to express anything,” the House official said.

READ: Sona outfits with derogatory words, political messages banned – House

“If you don’t follow, you’ll be arrested and be detained in our detention center,” he added, partly speaking in Filipino.

This did not sit well with Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel, who expressed concern about the warning.

“Is this a threat? Ibig sabihin, pwede ba akong arestuhin sa loob ng Kongreso sa araw ng Sona kung may protest art ang suot ko?” Manuel said in a separate statement also issued on Thursday.

(Is this a threat? Does this mean they can arrest me during Sona if there’s protest art in what I wear?)

“Nanginginig ba sa takot si Marcos Jr. kapag nakakakita ng protest art? O sa stolen art lang ba komportable ang pamilya nila?” he alleged.

(Is Marcos Jr. shaking with fear when he sees protest art? Or is their family only comfortable with stolen art?)

The lawmaker pointed out that the Sona should not be used as an avenue to “glorify” those in power but should be an event that highlights the country’s needs.

“Kabataan Partylist stands firm in defending the right to express dissent. In a time where authoritarian policies and rule are on the rise, it is crucial to safeguard and uphold the right to freedom of expression as a cornerstone of a truly democratic society,” the statement read.

“The Filipino youth and all advocates for democracy must resist any attempts to curtail this fundamental right,” it added.

For her part, CT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro earlier said the ban “violates freedom of expression and should be opposed.”

“Even so, we in the Makabayan bloc will still wear clothes that reflect the real grievances and demands of the people during Sona,” she added.