Palace fashion show criticized by congressmen

Several congressmen criticized the fashion show that was held inside the Malacañang Palace last week, August 8, titled “Isang Pilipinas.”

According to Ivan Mayrina’s Tuesday report on “24 Oras,” Isang Pilipinas was among the series of fashion shows under First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos’ projects held at the Goldenberg Mansion.

Among those who walked the runway were local politicians, congressmen, and senators' wives.

However, Gabriela party-list Representative Arlene Brosas found the fashion show inappropriate.

“While millions of Filipinos struggle to make ends meet and cope with the devastating effects of recent flooding it is disheartening to witness public officials indulging in lavish events,” said Brosas.

She added that it was unacceptable for public officials to engage in such frivolity at a time when social services were severely unfunded and many were going hungry.

Meanwhile, ACT Teachers Party List Representative France Castro said there needed to be full disclosure, transparency, and accountability over the fashion show.

“Magkano sa pera ng bayan ang ginastos at dapat itong maibalik at huwag na ding ulitin ang ganitong pagsasayang ng pera ng bayan,” said Castro.

Meanwhile, Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo Tantoco said that the government did not spend anything on the event as it was paid for by the designers and partnered private institutions.

“The objective of the series is to provide a platform for Filipino artists to show their work in a historical setting relevant to our cultural identity,” she explained. — Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA Integrated News