Senator Risa Hontiveros (File photo from JOSEPH VIDAL / Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Lavish Christmas parties are not for Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who noted that her office, since the very beginning, has been avoiding such types of events.
This practice is in line with her belief that government officials should lead Filipinos in living modest lives.
Speaking at a Kapihan sa Senado forum on Thursday, Hontiveros said she is one with President Bongbong Marcos Jr. in terms of the latter’s call for government agencies to avoid luxurious Christmas celebrations.
The call was made by the chief executive in solidarity with the millions of people affected by the calamities.
“Super duper agree. Matagal nang forever ino-observe yan ng office ko and baka yung ibang mga opisina dito sa Senado and I hope na all throughout the government, mula Office of the President hanggang sa mga local government units natin, maobserbahan namin yan,” said Hontiveros.
(I greatly agree. We, in our office, have been observing that and maybe other offices as well here in the Senate and I hope that all throughout the government – from the Office of the President until local government units, would observe that.)
But apart from being in solidarity with Filipinos who are enduring the consecutive problems caused by natural calamities, Hontiveros said thumbing down lavish Christmas celebrations simply aligns with the existing mandate that government officials should lead “modest lives” and for them to “live within means.”
“Bilang pakikiisa sa ating mga kababayan na aming pinagsisilbihan, lalo na yung karamihan na ang hirap-hirap pa rin, hindi lang tuwing Pasko,” said Hontiveros.
(This is in solidarity with Filipinos who we have been serving, especially the majority that are still experiencing hardships not only during Christmas.)
Marcos, for his part, urged government agencies that after skipping grand Christmas parties, they can donate the funds that they will be able to save to cyclone-hit communities.
The president also vowed that typhoon victims would feel the Christmas spirit early, in the form of relief goods and assistance that will enable them to rebuild their houses and livelihoods.