A city councilor in Valenzuela was criticized for her perceived extravagant lifestyle, with Filipinos scrutinizing her social media posts.
Valenzuela City Councilor Kisha Coleen Ancheta was called out after some of her photos showed her wearing designer brands, jewelry and other signs of a lavish lifestyle.
A Filipino also shared a screengrab of an Instagram conversation with Ancheta, in which she allegedly said:
“Inggit ka lang eh HAHAHAHA, trabaho ka kasi, iyak ka na lang, gusto ko pa mainggit ka pa. Hahahahahaha”
Screenshots also circulated showing some of the city councilor’s photos, which included Gucci paper bags, a Hermès bag and a designer top.
“Ganito ba dapat umasta mga government official?” a Reddit user wrote in the “r/Philippines” community on Friday, January 23.
Ganito ba dapat umasta mga government official?
byu/ilovehotsauce143 inPhilippines
The Redditor reminded the city councilor of Republic Act 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
“[It] mandates that public officials and their families lead modest lives appropriate to their income. Section 4(h) explicitly prohibits extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth,” the Reddit user said.
“Ba’t ganito binoboto niyo? Pano nanalo ganito ugali?” the Redditor asked.
The post has garnered 1,100 upvotes, one award and over 180 comments, with many online users similarly calling out her lifestyle.
“‘Lead modest lives.’ She definitely missed that one, or just like any other politician out there, mahina reading comprehension,” a Redditor wrote.
“Unbecoming of a public official. Merits Code of Conduct case,” another commented.
The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees states that public officials should observe “simple living” in the discharge and execution of their official duties.
“Public officials and employees and their families shall lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income. They shall not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form,” it said.
“Public officials who violate the act may face a fine of up to six months’ salary, suspension of up to one year, or removal from service, depending on the severity of the offense, following due notice and a hearing by the appropriate body or agency.
