June 30 was a happy day for most as it marked the beginning of a new administration. Many were in a celebratory mood but some in the Palace forgot that, even in joyous moments, there are rules that govern behavior of public officials.

Executive Secretary Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa Jr. and his band of lawyers, including Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Jose Amor Amorado, Undersecretary Michael Frederick Musngi, and the deputy executive secretaries, reportedly drank to their hearts' content in the Premier Guest House, where they ordered cases of beer and pulutan.

The Premier Guest House is no ordinary place: it is where President Aquino holds office. It is the seat of the highest office in the land.

Civil service rules prohibit drinking of this kind in government premises. Moreover, ranking public officials--like Ochoa and company-- are supposed to set the example. The executive secretary, after all, is considered first among equals in the Cabinet.

Infractions such as this may be considered minor, but remember the drinking sprees during the time of President Joseph Estrada? They bring back awful memories. (Newsbreak)

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