The Communications Director of the Speaker of the House was in hot water after he showed himself while drinking a very expensive champagne cognac.
Ruben Manahan III, Director of the Communications of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, was seen posing while holding a glass of Rémy Martin – Louis XIII Champagne Cognac that was worth P275,000 in the market.
“A truly stunning Cognac from Rémy Martin. It is blended from around 1,200 different eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne appellation, and some of the spirit was distilled more than 100 years ago. This is a favourite of Elton John, Christian Dior and even Winston Churchill, who celebrated his election with it in 1951. It was served to Queen Elizabeth II in the Versailles Palace to celebrate her visit of 1957,” according to the description of the cognac.
Some netizens believed that a glass of the said cognac would cost P16,000, which was more expensive than a box of other normal brands in the market.
Meanwhile, they wondered if the photo was taken during work hours, as the official could be seen posing inside an office.
According to the Civil Service Commission, consumption of alcoholic beverages was not allowed in government offices.
As of writing, Manahan has yet to give a response to the criticism he received.