Ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA), Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel announced he will wear a “protest barong” featuring a mural symbolizing the hopes of Filipino youth.
The outfit includes imagery representing an alternative future free from social ills and a fist signifying unity against perceived external threats.
Despite a ban on political messages in attire for the event, Manuel’s barong is intended to highlight youth demands for reforms such as genuine agrarian reform and national industrialization.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco stated that guests with political attire may be barred or asked to change, while ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro criticized the ban as a violation of freedom of expression.
The Makabayan bloc plans to wear clothes reflecting the people’s grievances during the SONA.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 22, 2024
