Risa reminds officials of ‘modest lifestyle rule’ after solon drew flak over Balesin wedding

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday reminded public officials of the propriety of living a modest life after a partylist representative drew flak over a reportedly lavish wedding at an expensive island venue.

“Sa aming mga nagtatrabaho sa gobyerno, para sa akin yung isa sa mga pinakamahalagang utos ay dapat modest lifestyle," Hontiveros told reporters in a virtual interview.

"‘Yung mga opisyal at mga empleyado ay hinihimok to live modestly, o live in simple means,” she added.

[For us who are working in the government, one of the important rules is to maintain a modest lifestyle. The officials and the employees of the government are encouraged to live modestly or live in simple means.]

Hontiveros was asked for her reaction as regards the partylist lawmaker who was criticized for having a wedding party in Balesin island. She supposedly represents jeepney drivers, many of whom lost their jobs during the pandemic.

GMA News Online sought comment from DUMPER partylist Representative Claudine Bautista but there has been no reply as of posting time.

Bautista came under particularly in the social media after famous fashion designer Michael Cinco posted the wedding dress she designed for the lawmaker’s wedding.

“Bilang isang aktibista, matagal na itinuturo sa amin ang simpleng pamumuhay bilang pakikiisa sa aming mga kababayan sa gitna nitong mahirap, matagal at lalong lumalala na panahon ng pandemiya," Hontiveros said.

"Naiintindihan ko na sensitibo ito sa mga kababayan natin at leksiyon ito na makiisa sa mga kababayan natin sa mahirap na panahon na ito ngayon,” she added.

[As an activist, we were taught to live a simple life to show that we are one with our countrymen in this difficult, long, and worsening pandemic. I understand that this is a sensitive issue for our countrymen and this should serve as a lesson to us that we need to stand with our fellow Filipinos during these difficult times.]

Social media users were quick to notice Bautista’s “lavish” wedding in Balesin in the middle of the pandemic.

Some celebrities like Agot Isidro and Ogie Diaz joined other netizens in calling out the lawmaker.

According to Article XI, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution, “Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.”

Section 2 of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees also stated that public officials should “lead modest lives.” —NB, GMA News