A pair of the branded Louis Vuitton denim pants may be fashionable and may cost 10 times a Filipiniana terno, but in the session hall of the House of Representatives, the wearing of the classy signature jeans is deemed taboo and may cost a lawmaker his day’s salary.

The House secretariat, in last Wednesday’s session, made this clear in an advisory asking the 261 congressmen to observe proper clothes decorum during sessions and committee meetings.

The advisory was announced by Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II after the secretariat spotted at least five solons wearing short sleeve polo Barong Filipino and long sleeve polo shirts while in session.

Neophytes Lord Allan Jay Velasco of Marinduque and Mark Aeron H. Sambar of PBA party-list were among those spotted by House pages.

Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez welcomed the secretariat’s reminder, saying that the dress code had been violated several times during the 14th Congress.“Mayroon nga naka-Louis Vuitton na maong,” he told reporters on Thursday.

The veteran solon was apparently referring to a party-list congresswoman who represents the urban poor and peasants.

The House secretariat said Section 92 of the rules of the Chamber enjoins male House members to wear Barong Filipino or coat and tie while attending sessions and committee hearings.

Lady legislators, on the other hand, are urged to wear Filipina dress or business suit.

Those who defy the House dress code are deemed absent, therefore costing their day’s salary.

“During Monday sessions, female members are encouraged to wear traditional Filipina dress and male Members are encouraged to wear Barong Filipino,” the rule provided.

Newcomer Rep. Fatima Aliah Dimaporo (Lakas-Kampi-CMD, Lanao del Norte) said she agrees with the rules. “We should follow the rules. I am a young person and I love fashion but we should observe modesty and attend the sessions in proper attire,” she said.

Dimaporo, who is joining her mother Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo as member of the Lower House, advised fellow female neophytes in the Chamber to often bring with them business coat so that they could use it during sessions.

On the other hand, Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay said she believes that violation of the rule was mainly due to the fact that many of her colleagues are still unfamiliar with House rules.

Among the neophytes in the Chamber are entertainment personalities and former fashion show models Reps. Lucy Torres of Leyte and Lani Mercado-Revilla of Cavite.