FILIPINO celebrities and content creators are speaking out against the alleged corruption involving government-funded flood control projects and the lavish lifestyles displayed by family members of several public officials and contractors on social media.
One of them is actor and television host Edu Manzano, who has been using satire on his artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photos to depict how suspected corrupt officials and contractors deceive the public through substandard, or worse, “ghost” projects.
Manzano first spoke about the government’s questionable infrastructure projects last Thursday, August 28, by posting an AI-generated photo of him as an engineer, along with the hashtags “Engineer Edu” and “new career path.”
“Bill, Bill, Bill. [Twenty percent] semento, 80% kupit,” he wrote in the caption, alluding to the “Build, Build, Build” flagship program of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
In the comment section, Manzano said, “Kung dati plot twist lang sa pelikula… ngayon plot hole na sa kalsada.”
The next day, August 29, he posted another AI-generated image showing him inside an expensive car, seemingly referring to the luxury lifestyles that “nepo babies” of some government officials and contractors flaunt online.
“Second day at work… pero abot na hanggang second life and budget ko,” Manzano wrote in the caption with the hashtags “Dreams do come true,” “Sumakses din,” and “Road to bulsa.”
He commented, “Know your priorities… Hermès muna bago semento.”
On the same day, Manzano posted another edited photo of his “Engineer Edu” persona, showing him getting out of a luxury car and holding an umbrella. Behind him was an unfinished infrastructure and a signboard that read: “Ghost Bridge. Under Construction.”
“Bruh, payong is the new investment! Kung wala kang Rolls Royce payong, wala kang financial stability,” he said in the comment section, referencing the viral interview of contractor and losing Pasig City mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya, where she showed off her collection of luxury cars. Discaya said she bought one of her luxury cars simply because of its built-in umbrella.
Manzano continued to take a swipe at individuals involved in the corruption scandal by posting an AI-generated image of him in his white pajamas, surrounded by high-end products.
“Saturday morning, no site visit, no stress. Just Ladurée, a Rolls-Royce payong, and taxpayer money brewed to perfection,” he said.
In another post, Manzano shared his “taxpayer dues-funded” outfit for “a luxurious dinner,” including a blazer, a shirt, trousers, a wristwatch, and a briefcase from American and Italian luxury brands.
In his latest post, Manzano posted snaps from the “luxurious dinner” which he jokingly described as a “collateral damage” to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Netizens’ reactions, demands
Manzano’s satirical posts drew laughter from netizens, earning thousands of “Haha” reactions on Facebook.
“Breadwinner niyo kami not by blood but by flood,” one Facebook user said.
“Story of their lives: from robs to riches,” another one commented.
A social media user also said, “Boss, kakakaltas lang ng buwis ko kahapon. Enjoy your croissant. Hiyang hiya naman ako sayo.”
Meanwhile, a netizen said in jest that he had deducted money from his paycheck to help pay for Manzano’s “luxurious dinner” OOTD (Outfit of the Day).
“I contributed that lower button on your jacket. Cost me 30% of my basic salary,” they wrote.
While netizens find Manzano’s social media posts hilarious, they are clearly not taking the corruption scandal involving billions of pesos in public funds lightly.
Filipinos are now demanding transparency, accountability, and justice in the anomalous flood control projects, stressing that while they wade through the floodwaters, these supposed corrupt officials and contractors, as well as their families, submerge themselves in luxury.
“Grabe talaga corrupt sa politiko. Sobra na grabe. Mahuli na sana mga corrupt, kawawa ang mga lumalaban ng patas,” one Facebook user said.
Recently, netizens called out several children of the country’s government officials and flood control contractors who showed off their lavish lifestyles on their vlogs, including riding a private plane, wearing millions worth of OOTD, and frequently traveling abroad.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered a lifestyle check on all government officials, beginning with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), amid the alleged irregularities on the flood control projects nationwide.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is conducting an investigation on the anomalous flood control projects. Discaya attended the hearing on Monday, alongside other subpoenaed government contractors.
