A FORMER cabinet official, now a leading think tank in the country, came to the defense of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police chief Police General Rommel Marbil whose photo with dismissed Mayor Alice Guo in Indonesia went viral and was criticized.
According to Atty. Nicasio “Nick” Conti, former Commissioner of the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) and Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), and the current Convenor of the CLICK Partylist, addressed recent criticisms surrounding public officials taking photographs with individuals involved in legal controversies.
Conti said that there is nothing inherently wrong with taking photos, and such acts should not be misinterpreted or politicized.
Courtesy: PNP
He emphasized the deeply ingrained cultural practice of picture-taking in the Philippines, a tradition embraced by both the public and public servants alike. He noted that taking photos has long been a form of social engagement and should not be unfairly scrutinized.
“In the Philippines, we live in a photo-driven society. Taking pictures is a time-honored tradition, especially at public events where public officials are frequently asked for a snapshot with people they encounter. It’s important to recognize that this simple act of picture-taking is part of our culture, and there is nothing inherently wrong with it,” said Atty. Conti.
Courtesy: Nick Conti FB page
This is how Presidential special envoy to China for Trade, Tourism and Investment Benito Techico explained the group photo showing the First Couple with Techico together with Cassandra Li Ong and a supposed POGO owner in Porac, Pampanga, among others. Techico said someone requested to have their photo taken with the Marcoses, but the couple had no idea who these people were.
Conti further pointed out that Republic Act No. 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, does not prohibit government officials from taking photographs with individuals, even those facing legal scrutiny. The law, he emphasized, focuses on maintaining integrity and professionalism, not the mere act of posing for a photograph.
“RA 6713 speaks to the ethics and behavior of public servants, ensuring they maintain integrity and honesty in their duties. But let’s be clear—a photo does not equate to endorsement or support. In many cases, photos are taken in the spur of the moment, with no intention behind them other than respecting the Filipino custom of being approachable. Public officials should not be judged solely based on these casual interactions,” Conti added.
Atty. Conti also cautioned against over-politicizing or misinterpreting innocent moments. He stressed that actions, not photos, are the true measure of a public official’s integrity. So what if Secretary Abalos and PNP Chief Marbil had photo taken with Alice Guo?
“At the end of the day, we should focus on the real issues—what our leaders are doing to serve the public, their actions, and their accountability in office. Let’s not let photos distract us from the more important matters of governance and public service,” Conti concluded.
