Prior to President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's first State Of The Nation Address (SONA)—which was held at Batasang Pambansa's Session Hall earlier today, July 26—politics was not the topic at all.

What with the North Wing of the Batasang Pambansa turning into a runway as legistrators and their spouses and guests paraded in their formal, flashy outfits!

The more frequently asked question was not "What are your plans?" but rather, "Who are you wearing?"

With some celebrities joining Congress for the first time, fashion seemed to have topped the agenda of most onlookers.

Actor Richard Gomez and his wife, Ormoc Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez, were both clad in Randy Ortiz creations. (CLICK HERE to read related article.)

Senator Bong Revilla's wife, first-time Cavite Congresswoman Lani Mercado, wore a pale pink Maria Clara terno, which she paired with a silver Chanel clutch.

Also an interesting sight was the arrival of Pambansang Kamao, now Saranggani Representative Manny Paquiao, and his wife Jinkee Pacquiao, who was wearing a subtle pink gown by Pepsi Herrera.

Former actress Shiela Israel, in an Edward Teh gown, was present to support her husband, former actor Dan Fernandez, who was re-elected last May 2010 election as the representative of the 1^st District of Laguna.

Meanwhile, former First Lady and now Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos let the photographers capture her "imeldific" purple terno.  Her daughter, former representative and now Governor of Ilocos Norte Imee Marcos, wore an old-pink gown over her black slacks.

Other personalities who made a statement with their outfits were Senator Loren Legarda, Senator Pia Cayetano, and Akbayan Partylist Representative Risa Hontiveros. Bayan Muna Partylist Representative Teddy Casiño literally put a statement on his barong about the extrajudicial killings in the country. 

Now, check out their photos.