Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian’s social media post featuring a gathering with his staff at Solaire Resort and Casino drew criticism online, with netizens raising questions about the optics of holding a team fellowship at an upscale venue amid the rising cost of living and the financial struggles faced by many Filipinos.
On October 18, Gatchalian shared a group photo on Facebook showing him with members of his team, accompanied by the caption, “Friday night fellowship with the team!” The post identified Solaire Resort and Casino as the location.
The photo subsequently drew reactions on X, where some users questioned the appropriateness of the gathering’s venue, particularly given the economic pressures confronting ordinary Filipinos.
Jumel Bornilla, M.D., commented, “This is where our taxes go.”
Another netizen pointed to the difficulties many Filipinos face in meeting their daily needs, saying, “Andami walang makain, ang mahal ng mga bilihin, tas Solaire Solaire pa kayo!”
Others questioned whether the gathering was privately funded or charged to public funds, with one user asking, “their own money or included in the Senate office budget…..if you hold public office, dapat mag hulus dili sa mga activities sa mamahaling lugar.”
Another netizen expressed frustration over what they viewed as a disconnect between public officials and the daily struggles of ordinary citizens.
“Nakakainis yung ganito. Tapos tayo puro kayod ang ginagawa para mabuhay…. Take this down, mr senator. Nahuli na kayo sa mga pinaggagawa ninyo.” the user wrote.
The reactions highlight how the public scrutiny of government officials extends beyond their official duties to the activities and settings they choose to share publicly, particularly at a time when many households continue to grapple with the high cost of basic goods and everyday expenses.
While the online comments raised questions about the source of funding for the gathering, the Facebook post itself did not establish whether the expenses were paid for privately or charged to a government budget. The criticism nevertheless underscored public sensitivity to the use of public resources and the importance of transparency and prudence in the conduct of public officials.