MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Contrary to tradition, the red carpet will not be rolled out when Philippine President Rod Duterte delivers his very first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25.

The SONA has always been an event that many look forward to every year, especially by female members of Congress and the wives of the lawmakers. It is Hollywood Philippine style where Filipinos and the media are more interested in who’s wearing what than the actual message by the president.

It is therefore not a surprise that the country’s top fashion designers have banded together to picket Duterte’s SONA.

Duterte, now known for his simple, unconventional fashion style like the maong tagalog (denim pants to match his rolled-up-sleeves barong tagal0g),  has advised SONA attendees to wear business attire instead of formal wear.

The protesters complained about their loss of income as a result of the red carpet cancellation.

Aside from the Pinoy fashion designers, people in the jewelry business are also joining the picket. And so is Alfredo Barraza, the Colombian designer responsible for the much-maligned national costume of former Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa which many say cost her the Miss Universe crown in Doral, Florida.