A lawmaker was criticized for posting a screenshot of CCTV footage showing individuals who appeared to be involved in a sexual act on social media.
A Reddit user called for Rep. Mark Cholo Violago (Bulacan, Third District) to be reprimanded for posting the screenshot on his official Facebook page, saying they initially thought it had been posted by a “meme page.
“Akala ko meme page ang nag-post. Elected public official pala,” the user said in the “r/Philippines” community on Thursday, May 7, sharing screenshots of the video, as well as some of Violago’s comments.
“I was randomly scrolling sa FB [Facebook] when I saw the image. Okay, another cheap-a** (no pun intended) post na naman from a meme page,” the Redditor said.
“Pero pagtingin ko sa profile photo ng OP [Original Poster], naka-barong. I got curious kaya binuksan ko ‘yung profile. ‘The Official Facebook Page of the Representative of 3rd District of Bulacan.’ WTF? Kako, baka panakot sa nakunan ng CCTV para mahuli na, if ever,” the Reddit user added.
“Binalikan ko ‘yung comments section. WTF ulit? He was making fun of it. Sinong nasasakupan nito? Pagsabihan niyo nga,” the Reddit user said.
Akala ko meme page ang nagpost. Elected public official pala.
by
u/oph13x in
Philippines
Violago on Wednesday, May 6, posted a screenshot from CCTV footage which showed a man and a woman on a “bypass” road. Their bodies were covered with an emoji.
The pair appeared to be involved in a sexual activity, with the young woman using the motorcycle seat for support.
“KAWATAN, muling tumira sa Bypass!!” the lawmaker wrote in a Facebook post.
“Hindi na nakuha pang manalaban ng biktima habang taas ang dalawang kamay at pinatuwad ng nasabing kawatan. Patuloy ang pagtugis sa nasabing suspek at titiyakin natin mananagot ito sa batas,” Violago added.
The lawmaker also continued to comment on the incident in the comments section.
“Kahit saan, hinding-hindi kayo makakalusot sa mga CCTV ko,” Violago wrote.
“Hindi na nakuhang manlaban ng biktima, taas [dalawang] kamay, pinadapa pa,” he added with a laughing emoji.
Redditors criticized the post and comments, while discouraging others from supporting Violago.
“Sa mga taga-distrito tres sa Bulacan, 2028, pwedeng tanggalin na siya sa pwesto?” an online user wrote.
“Thanks, Duterte, for normalizing crass AND corrupt politicians. Dati kasi disente AND corrupt lang, so talagang mas lumala pa,” another wrote, referring to former President Rodrigo Duterte, known for frequently using profanity in public statements.
The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees states that public officials shall observe “professionalism” in the discharge and execution of their official duties.
“Public officials and employees shall perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism,
intelligence and skill. They shall enter public service with utmost devotion and dedication to duty,” part of the code reads.
“They shall endeavor to discourage wrong perceptions of their roles as dispensers or peddlers of undue patronage,” it added.
