Nelson Morales

'Ditch the barongs, seize sports cars': Deputy Speaker wants simplified lifestyle for lawmakers

The plenary hall of the House of Representatives  minutes before it opens for the first regular session for the 20th Congress on July 28, 2025.    Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

David Dizon

ABS-CBN News

Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno on Wednesday said members of Congress should live a more modest lifestyle by removing signs of ostentation including expensive watches and foreign sports cars.Speaking to ANC’s Headstart, Puno said the image of Congress as the abode of crocodiles is not new and has gotten worse over the years. “We now see the evidence like the ostentation and all of that,” he said.One way to fix it, he said, is that lawmakers who are guilty of stealing taxpayers’ money should go to jail. “If nobody goes to jail, then it’s business as usual. If there is criminal liability, I hope people end up in jail,” he said.He said he would also suggest that congressmen ditch their barongs and wear work clothes to Congress. “Para hindi na bihis patay,” he said.Most importantly, he said, lawmakers should simplify their lifestyles. One suggestion he is thinking is to tell the Speaker to confiscate foreign sports cars that are in the House of Representatives compound.“Let’s not push the button there, We know naman what face irritates the people. ‘Yung sobrang yabang, flaunting things that are crazy,” he said.He also criticized the lack of decorum of one lawmaker, Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga, who he said barges into lawmakers’ offices without an invitation.He said the young lawmaker is “really unwell” but noted there are standards of behavior for congressmen. He said Barzaga would be expelled from the National Unity Party but said it is unlikely that he would be expelled from the House of Representatives.

Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno on Wednesday said members of Congress should live a more modest lifestyle by removing signs of ostentation.

Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno on Wednesday said members of Congress should live a more modest lifestyle by removing signs of ostentation.