No violation of law in Duterte’s tale of being given Mercedes Benz — CSC

President Rodrigo Duterte violated no law when he said he was given a luxury car as a gift, an official of the Civil Service Commission said on Tuesday.

CSC Assistant Commissioner Ariel Ronquillo, in a report by Raffy Tima on "24 Oras", said there was no violation because, as Duterte claimed, the President did not accept the Metcedes Benz.

"Dahil hindi niya tinanggap, walang transfer of ownership. At dahil hindi nga tinanggap so walang violation ng batas sa pagtanggap ng regalo," Ronquillo said.

On Sunday, Duterte said that he had been given a Mercedes Benz. He said it was parked at the compound of the Presidential Security Group and was up for sale.

He indicated that the proceeds would go to the government.

On Monday, Duterte the car came from a wealthy ex-girlfriend.

"Huwag ka ng magtanong. Sa girlfriend ko. May mayaman ako na girlfriend noon," Duterte said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday.

Duterte also declined to show the vehicle to the media. On Monday, he said it was parked in a private garage.

"Wala man rin dito actually. It's in a private garage. Nandiyan lang, ilagay mo lang," Duterte said.

University of the Philippines' National College of Public Administration and Governance Dean Maria Fe Mendoza urged Duterte to issue statements more seriously.

"Sana yung mga ganong bagay ay seryosohin kasi whatever his actions are may influence others' action," Mendoza said. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/NB/BAP, GMA News