Lexus and Rolex Post of Ilocos Sur Vice Mayor Sparks Controversy
RAY “RJ” ELAYDO — The vice mayor of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, found himself at the center of controversy after a Facebook post showing him posing with a Lexus car and a Rolex watch went viral. A screenshot of the post, shared on the Facebook page Visor, quickly drew criticism from netizens who accused him of flaunting wealth and questioned whether his luxury items were funded by public money.
In response, Elaydo lashed back at his critics, expressing anger over what he described as unfair judgment. He clarified that the Lexus he drove abroad was only borrowed and not his own. “First time in my life makapag drive naman ng Lexus abroad. Sa mga nag bash bilis naman kayong manghusga putang ina ninyo!!! Porket nagpost na ako ninakaw ko na??? Bakit dba pwedeng umutang? Diba pwedeng humiram?” he wrote.
Elaydo highlighted his long years of public service, tracing his career back to 2002 when he first served as a barangay councilor, later as captain, ABC president, municipal councilor, vice mayor, mayor, and now once again vice mayor. He questioned why people doubted that an elected official like him could earn a decent salary. “Bakit wala bang sweldo ang VM?” he asked.
The vice mayor also thanked his constituents for their support and said he would leave the judgment to God. He stressed that he has a clean record and dared critics to prove otherwise. “Masakit lang sa kalooban na nahusgahan nyo na ako na hindi ninyo alam ang pagkatao ko! Malinis ang record ko! I will resign kung mapatunayan na nagnakaw ako ng kaban ng bayan,” he declared.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, requires politicians and their families to live modestly. The law states that they must live within their means and avoid extravagant or excessive displays of wealth. Its implementing rules further explain that their lifestyle should match their declared income and assets, and that public funds must be used wisely.