If public servants have Rolex watches and other luxury items, they better not flaunt their wealth while in office.
President Duterte has urged prosecutors and other government officials to stay simple and not show off their wealth, saying he finds “corny” those wearing Rolex and precious jewelry at work.
Duterte instead encouraged government personnel to use their valuable items only after their retirement in government.
“Kung ikaw ang prosecutor, ‘wag kang mag-gold-gold diyan. Masali ka sa taga-Customs,” he said during the national convention of the Prosecutors’ League of the Philippines in Palawan. “‘Wag kang mag-ano. Simple lang tayo,” the former Davao City mayor said.
Duterte revealed that he once asked an official to remove his diamond-studded Rolex watch during a command conference.
He said after teasing the official about his precious timepiece, the person claimed the watch was a gift from his wife. “Ang galing mo ah. Isipin mo mga diyaman – diamonds na…Napaka-corny niyan. You look corny, totoo ‘yan,” he said.
“Kung meron man diyan, you wait until pag-retire mo pero ‘wag mong gamitin ‘yan,” he added.
He admitted that it can’t be avoided that some people give precious gifts to government officials. “Yan ang practice,” he said.
But the President asked the officials to keep a simple lifestyle while in public service. (Genalyn Kabiling)
