RELATIVES of political families are facing online scrutiny for their wealthy lifestyles this week— a backlash that has grown in the wake of alleged anomalies in government flood control projects.
Most recently, singer and lifestyle vlogger Claudine Co found herself at the center of online criticism after posts showcasing her travels and luxury purchases circulated widely.
Claudine is the daughter of Christopher Co, co-founder of Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation, which President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. recently included in the list of the Top 15 construction companies flagged for alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
She is also the niece of Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, co-founder and CEO of Sunwest Group of Companies, which was likewise named in the same list.
Claudine, who often shared photos of herself on Instagram wearing luxury fashion brands, came under fire as netizens linked her displays of wealth to her family’s alleged involvement in the flood control project.
Claudine has since deactivated her Instagram account.
Aside from Claudine, several other vloggers with connection to political clans are now being criticized.
Among them is Lemuel Lubiano — Claudine’s boyfriend — whose father, Lawrence Lubiano, is president of Centerways Construction and Development, Inc., another firm included in the same flood control list alongside the Cos.
Also in the spotlight is Angela Alonte, daughter of Biñan City Mayor Angelo “Gel” Alonte and current girlfriend of Pinoy Big Brother Collab alum River Joseph. She had previously drawn backlash online over her remarks on political dynasties.
Nikka Gaddi, a Filipino content creator known for her videos on government corruption in the Philippines, shared her thoughts on the growing trend of lifestyle policing in a recent post.
“Corrupt contractors/politicians and their lifestyle influencer families deserve all of this hate. Do not ever feel guilty for it. It’s not even enough,” she said.
“We live in the same country, the same earth, yet they act that way, thinking they’re exempt from the impact of natural disasters they fail to control and the environmental damage they’re causing,” she added.
Another netizen, Zachary Corey, also expressed the same opinion on his Facebook page.
“Dapat ba nating idamay ang mga anak ng politicians? Yes. Oo. Dapat. Justifiable,” he said.
“These nepos—if not for the higher chances na patatakbuhin din sila sa pwesto someday kapag end term na ni daddy or mommy—they flaunt their lavish lifestyle all over the social media.”
Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto also said his piece on the issue. In an inclusive interview with ABS-CBN, urged the public to “challenge the culture” of the lavish display of lifestyle seen from politicians.
“Kailangan nga pansinin natin yung mga ganoong kwento, mga ganoong pagkakataon. Gawin natin siyang hindi normal at gawin natin siyang hindi nakaka-inspire,” said Sotto.
“As public officials we have a code of ethics. Ostentatious display of wealth is also bad regardless of the source… pero siguro yung mga nakita talaga natin na connected sa contractor, sila naman nag-post nun online diba? So bigyan natin sila ng atensyon kung gusto nila,” he added.
This wave of lifestyle policing among netizens first gained traction during the controversy surrounding the Discaya family, featured in an interview on Korina Sanchez’s Rated Korina and Julius Babao’s YouTube channel.
Sarah and Curlee Discaya, owners of Alpha & Omega Gen. Contractor and Development Corporation and St. Timothy Construction Corporation— two of the top firms that secured the largest flood control projects in the country— were shown with a collection of high-end cars and other symbols of affluence, sparking widespread online attention.
The videos went viral, drawing public scrutiny, and prompting Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto to publicly criticize the journalists involved.
Meanwhile, both Sanchez and Babao denied ever accepting a placement fee of PHP10 million from the Discaya.
Republicasia tried to reach out to Claudine but her account had been closed. We are open to any comments or statements that Claudine— or others involved— may want to narrate with regards to the story.
