The government did not release any public funds for the fashion show that was held inside Goldberg Mansion in Malacañang Palace last week, Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo-Tantoc clarified on Monday, August 14.
The fashion show dubbed "Isang Pilipinas" featured 65-piece designs of renowned Filipino fashion designer Michael Leyva.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos spearheaded the said show which was attended by several city mayors, congresswomen and congresswomen, senators, and other popular socialites.
"The government does not spend anything on the event because it is paid for by the designers and private institutions they partner with,” Arroyo-Tantoco said in a statement.
She underscored that the event aimed to provide a platform for Filipino artists to show their work in a historical setting.
"The output is a collaboration between various creatives in the industry and creates awareness (thereby generating demand) for local fabrics and designs which have always been instrumental in our cultural identity," Arroyo-Tantoco said.
The Deputy Social Secretary issued the statement after the fashion show drew flak on social media from netizens and several groups.
In a tweet, journalist Raissa Robles regarded the fashion show as "bad optics".
"[T]he fabulous gowns became a vulgar display of ostentation and scandalous wealth amid poverty," she added.
Gabriela Women's party-list, meanwhile, said that the fashion show is similar to former President Ferdinand Sr.'s era where "the ruling class prioritized their extravagant lifestyle over the people's needs".
"At a time when social services are severely underfunded, it is unacceptable for public officials to engage in such lavish activities," the group stressed.
Some claimed that the mayor and congressmen utilized public funds just to sponsor the fashion show.
"Our fellow countrymen die at the hands of the police, drowned by floods from MNC projects, displaced from their homes, dumbed by lack of education, and starved by poverty while those in power enjoy a night of splendor and glamour of a fashion show,” another netizen said.
