(SPOT.ph) Every year, members of Congress and their guests would gather at the Batasan Complex for the president's State of the Nation Address. Some of them come in Filipiniana attire that might make one think of the Met Gala Red Carpet. Others, however, take it as an opportunity to make a statement. The Makabayan bloc, for example, has the tradition of donning protest wear on the day of the State of Nation Address. This morning, they joined protesters at the University of the Philippines - Diliman to call for the repeal of the Anti-Terrorism Act, free mass testing in the Philippines, and the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise.
These members of Congress are donning their protest barong and advocacy sashes for SONA 2020:
Bayan Muna Representative Ferdinand R. Gaite
Fine Arts student Mark Tisado hand-painted Gaite's barong for this year's SONA. It features "Filipino workers and farmers rejecting the fascism of the Duterte regime and the control of imperialist powers," the artist said in a post. The title of the textile art is "Ang Bayan Laban sa Terorismo ni Duterte."
The back of the barong has the words of the Philippine Constitution's Article 3 Section 4, which is about freedom of expression, press freedom, and right to protest.
Bayan Muna Representative Eufemia Cullamat
A Manobo advocating for the rights of indigenous people, Rep. Eufemia Cullamat wears traditional Lumad attire with a sash showing the words: "Lupang ninuno depensahan! Ipaglaban! Terror Law ibasura!" She also has a face mask that says: "Defend national minorities! #StopTheAttacks"
Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas
Brosas' hand-painted face mask is by women's rights activist Melody Rodeo. In shades of orange and pink, it's emblazoned with the words: "Defend human rights." The other half shows women protesting for health, livelihood, and human rights.
Kabataan Representative Sarah Elago
Elago's hand-painted sash in shades of blue reflects the youth's call for "safe school reopening, quality education, health, labor, human rights, democracy, and sovereignty."
Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate
Zarate's protest barong bears the words "Junk Terror Law"; and shows mouths tied with strips of cloth to depict silenced beliefs. It also uses the color palette of ABS-CBN, reflecting the call to defend press freedom. The representative's face mask also shows Filipinos protesting for their rights.
ACT-Teachers Representative France Castro
Castro calls for safe school reopening in her sash that says: "Ligtas [at] de kalidad na balik eskwela." She also wears a face shield that calls for mass testing.