Larry Gadon, the self-proclaimed visionary and “anti-poverty czar,” has declared that poverty in the Philippines is merely a figment of our collective imagination (haka-haka). His irrefutable evidence? Crowded malls, jam-packed fast-food joints, and an influx of shiny new cars on the streets. 

One must wonder if Gadon realizes these observations might reflect the middle class rather than the destitute. As the “Special Assistant for Poverty Alleviation,” his role is to address the plight of those who can’t even dream of shopping sprees or dining out, let alone owning a car. 

Perhaps Gadon should step out of his air-conditioned bubble, abandon his political theatrics, and actually engage with the communities he’s supposed to help. If he continues down this delusional path, President Bongbong Marcos should relieve him of his duties—or the disbarred lawyer could do the honorable thing and resign, if any decency remains.