Content discontent: Kin of gov't contractors earning ire for luxury posts
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered lifestyle checks on government officials after naming 15 contractors that cornered billions of pesos in flood control projects since he took office in 2022.
The announcement, coupled with reports of Department of Public Works and Highways contracts tainted by alleged kickbacks, sent Filipinos online digging into the families behind the firms.
They found that some relatives—often children of the contractors—had built followings as lifestyle influencers. Once admired for their glamorous outfits, travels and activities, these figures are now labeled as “nepo babies” for flaunting wealth seen as linked to public funds.
Going private
Among those flagged is Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corp., co-founded by Christopher Co.
His brother, Zaldy Co, a former Ako Bicol party-list representative and former House appropriations chair, has also been linked to Sunwest Inc., another firm named by Marcos. Zaldy said he divested his shares in 2019 when he was elected to Congress.
Christopher’s daughter, Claudine Co, has been targeted online for posts showing a lavish lifestyle, including designer clothing, private plane trips and attendance at European fashion weeks.
Her boyfriend, Lemuel Lubiano, is related to Lawrence Lubiano of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., also among the contractors flagged by Marcos.
Claudine has since deactivated her social media accounts, while Lemuel’s Instagram account is now private.
No longer babies
The criticism has also sparked debate. Former senatorial aspirant Carl Balita questioned whether it was fair to drag children into the controversy.
“Tama ba na IDAMAY ang mga ANAK ng mga ABUSADONG opisyal ng pamahalaan at mga ganid na contractors? Makatwiran ba na i-bully sila sa kasalanan ng kanilang magulang na nagbibigay sa kanilang tinatamasang karangyaan?” Balita wrote on Facebook.
Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co, however, was blunt in her criticism.
“Nepo babies? Hindi na sila babies. Hindi nila kailangan ang simpatya ng publiko. Mas maawa tayo sa mga tunay na iskolar ng bayan na nagtitiis sa bulok na classroom at mga bayarin,” she said.
“Reality check: posible lang ang super burgis lifestyle ng 1% dahil sa pananamantala at pagnanakaw sa 99% ng mamamayan na nagtatrabaho. Valid ang galit ng taumbayan dahil mali ang magnakaw, period. At hindi dapat makalusot ang president ng corrupt kids club mismo, si Marcos Jr.,” she added in a Facebook post. — With reports from Kathleen A. Llemit
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