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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Media practitioners should do lifestyle checks on government officials, says Puno

Media practitioners should do lifestyle checks on government officials, says Puno

Published Aug 29, 2025 06:07 pm

At A Glance

  • Members of the media ought to carry out lifestyle checks on government officials, House Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 1st district Rep. Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno said.
Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 1st district Rep. Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno (PPAB)
Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 1st district Rep. Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno (PPAB)


Members of the media ought to carry out lifestyle checks on government officials, House Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 1st district Rep. Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno said.
Puno was commenting on President Marcos' lifestyle check directive on executive branch officials during a press conference at the House of Representatives Friday, Aug. 29 when had a light bulb moment.
"Ostentatious display of whealth is at the very least improper and undesirable for public officials," he said.
"Pero bakit mo ili-limit sa Ombudsman? (But why limit it to the Ombudsman?) Why can't you have media do lifestyle checks?" he asked.
Puno says netizens are already doing it, anyway. "Alam ko sa social media, na-lifestyle check na yung ibang pamilya nung mga ibang nababanggit sa ating mga ano dito, mga disputes.
(I know that on social media, certain families that have been mentioned in our disputes here have already been subjected to lifestyle checks.)
"Eh kayo (As for you in mainstream media), you have the capability to do it, and I don't see any reason why media should not be allowed to do this or anybody for that matter," noted the National Unity Party (NUP) chairman.
As per Puno, what needs to be determined is the point at which the flaunting of wealth constitutes an offense.
"What we have to focus on...[is] when does improper display of your possessions constitute something that is inimical or contrary to the society's values and beliefs? And worse, when is it contrary to law?"
He explained that a lifestyle check isn't an end in itself, by a means to an end.
"Magla-lifestyle check ka hindi lang para ma-chismis. Magla-lifestyle check siya para makasuhan mo (You don't conduct a lifestyle check just to create gossip. You conduct one in order to file a case)," noted Puno.
"Kung makita ka na mayroong ostentatious display of wealth, siguro (If you're seen worh an ostentatious display of wealth, perhaps) that should be enough basis for an investigative body to look into the records of a public official," the Antipolo solon added.
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