Showing Off Tech Toys Violation of Philippine Civil Code
By Rico, 8:08 am Fri Mar 28 2008 - Analysis - 5 Opinions
We recently came across an article that—surprise, surprise—talks about Brian Gorrell and his blog. Of particular interest is following excerpt, which provides a new perspective to Brian’s enemies’ supposedly lavish display of wealth:
Our legal system calls this thoughtless extravagance, or the ostentatious display of wealth – an act made illegal under Article 25 of Republic Act 386, otherwise known as the Civil Code of the Philippines. This law prohibits “thoughtless extravagance in expenses for pleasure or display during a period of acute public want.”
So what happens if we apply this old law to today’s technological environment? Does this mean that if we show off our technological toys, we’re actually violating the Philippine law? Many gadgets aren’t exactly cheap, and flaunting them could possibly be interpreted as a way to boast about your supposed wealth. The Philippines is honestly experiencing “a period of acute public want.” What are people who make less in a month than your gadget’s price supposed to think?
One thing’s for sure: walking around in public with a Bluetooth headset stuck to your ear, as you play with your PSP, with an expensive phone prominently clipped on your belt, is definitely being mainit sa mata (literal translation “hot on the eyes”).
Photo credit: Cyberprince Chronicles. Thanks to JB for the tip!
Roanne
2:02 pm Fri Mar 28 2008
Such law is absurd.
Well, a braggart ostentatiously displaying what s/he “have” to the public (particularly on “masa” places) may risk being robbed, snatched or kidnapped.
coydeleon
5:05 pm Fri Mar 28 2008
A law that makes flashing one’s E-pen*s illegal?
Oh the internet hate machine is going to love this.
I might as well call that the crab mentality law.
mignun
11:11 am Sat Mar 29 2008
the so-called “OUTLAW” already apprehending these technoguys.
They just simply “SNATCH and RUN” the gadget away.. hehe
leya
10:10 pm Wed Apr 2 2008
If nasusunod talaga yang law na yan, then they should all charge the politicians! Ang yayabang, naka expedition pa ang mga loko, may wang-wang pa. They are a menace and an extreme annoyance to the motorists.
Pati Barangay Captain may bodyguards pa. Ano ba naman yan.
baduy
11:11 pm Wed Apr 9 2008
Acute public want refers to a situation when the country and/or its citizens have no means to support their family and welfare. You can see condos being built left and right, new car models being distributed in show rooms, while the rice shortage is artificial and just a scam. There is no alarm that would require those who have to refrain from spending their money.
Only when there is war or when then whole country is in a calamity the ” Acute public want” will be applicable. For now SPEND the way you want.