Pinoys

"We should pay attention to those kinds of stories and moments. Let's make it abnormal, let's make it not inspiring," Sotto said.

- — With Elizabeth Marcelo, Janvic Mateo

"As public officials, we have a code of ethics. Ostentatious display of wealth is bad regardless of the source... but what we saw online came from the contractors' side, they themselves posted it. So if they want attention, let's give it to them," he added.

Earlier this week, children of lawmakers and contractors who reportedly secured billions of pesos in flood control projects drew criticism for posting vlogs and photos showing luxury cars, designer items and expensive vacations.

"Corruption should be disgusting. It should not be acceptable," said Sotto, who also lamented that many Filipinos have come to accept ill-gotten wealth as a norm in politics.

"Through the years, that's what happened. It became accepted by all of us. If we want to fix this, we need to admit that at some level, all of us are guilty, not because we received anything, but because at some point, we allowed it," Sotto said.

"There's nothing wrong with being rich if it comes from honest means, if you or your family worked for it. But now, people are starting to think twice when they see others flaunting luxury cars, lavish travels, or yacht parties," he added.