The scriptures are replete with teachings on wealth, possessions, generosity, gifts, charity, sacrifices, sharing and simplicity. Humility is central in Christian practices because the congregation sees only extravagance in God’s generosity as a giver of life and love.
Indeed, Matthew 19:21 teaches us: “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Obviously, an official of the Department of Public Works and Highways is not reading the Holy Bible, or maybe she has read it, but may not be following its teachings.
The ranking public works official was recently seen attending an official government function wearing a P700,000 gown. Obviously, the DPWH official was neither afraid nor ashamed to show off her wealth with the very expensive dress showcasing an extravagant lifestyle.
While most Filipinos are struggling with the high cost of basic food prices with the skyrocketing inflation, and steady rise in petroleum prices, the public works executive has no problem spending close to a million pesos for one dress.
According to our numerous “Marites” —- who are doing the public some good for sharing valuable information that we’d call them “Good Samarites” —- a biggie Central Luzon contractor is supporting the glitzy lifestyle of the lady DPWH official.
Expect, of course, a person wearing a P700,000 gown to match her dress with designer bags, shoes, and pricey pieces of jewelry, too. We should also look into the brands and types of cars this executive is driving, the restaurants where she dines, and the food she orders. Think wagyu steak and being washed down with Dom Perignon.
The official is also known to frequently visit the Manila Diamond Hotel, owned by RSA or Ramon S. Ang, one of the six wealthiest businessmen in the country, according to Forbes magazine.
Incidentally, Ang’s San Miguel Corporation is also involved in several high-profile public work projects, including the STAR (Southern Tagalog Arterial Road) Tollway, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway, NAIA Expressway (NAIX), and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).
In addition, SMC is also the main proponent of the 2,500-hectare, P740-billion New Manila International Airport in Bulakan, Bulacan.
Well, it does not take a rocket scientist to conclude why the owner of the Diamond Hotel would welcome the lady public works official with open arms and, some say, even support her lifestyle. The grapevine pundits have guffawed that a few privileges are, expectedly, given under “mutually-beneficial friendships.”
Lately, the official is reportedly trying to up her game by reaching out to First Lady Liza Marcos, using a couturier as her emissary to gain her good graces. That could be hoping against hope for this public works official as the First Lady is not known to involve herself in matters concerning her husband’s policy decisions.
In fact, LAM, as the First Lady is more commonly known, has been resisting attempts by some businessmen and Palace functionaries to influence the President’s decisions.