Slow burn

SKETCHES

- ANA MARIE PAMINTUAN

Why do people engage in the ostentatious display of wealth? Most likely because they think it will earn them admiration and envy. Maybe it feeds a need to feel superior. They see conspicuous consumption as a status symbol.

Not too long ago, people calling out those who flaunted their wealth were told: Inggit lang kayo. Eat your heart out. What's the use of wealth if you can't show it off?

We should be genuinely grateful for this mindset, because now people are getting leads on who might have enriched themselves at taxpayers' expense. Suddenly, online posts of the uber rich flaunting their enjoyment of luxe, from wagyu beef to designer bags, vehicles and first-class globetrotting are being taken down.

Spotting and recording luxury items used by public officials started in earnest last year with the scandal over then Bamban mayor Alice Guo, clad head to toe in designer stuff.

The public dismay was apparently lost on lawmakers. Scrutiny jumped over to the House of Representatives when photo collages surfaced, featuring then Marikina congresswoman Stella Quimbo toting her collection of Hermès and other designer bags.

Last month, reacting to the results of the midterm elections that proved disastrous for the administration's Senate slate, there was an order to tone down ostentation during the State of the Nation Address of President Marcos.

There was obviously some confusion among the lawmakers and their wives, many of whom had already ordered their expensive gowns for walking down the red carpet.

Que horror, the red carpet was pulled out! By way of toning down the annual fashion show, most of the ladies opted for white (but still pricey) gowns. Several were still caught with designer shoes, bags and wristwatches.