Philippines' Duterte ditches the glitz for frugal national address

A view of the Philippine Congress as newly-elected Speaker of the House Pantaleon Alvarez speaks, ahead of the State of the Nation address by President Rodrigo Duterte in Quezon city, Metro Manila, Philippines July 25, 2016. REUTERS/Erik De Castro

MANILA (Reuters) - New Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will lay out his goals for his six-year term on Monday and has set a simple tone for his inaugural national address by ordering the event stripped of its trademark swank and opulence.

For years the State of the Nation Address has been one of the top events on the social calendar of the country's political and showbiz elite, but Duterte has scaled back its budget and told guests to dress down, and leave the posh gowns and designer clothes at home.