Actress Nadine Lustre responded to an online user who criticized her for calling out alleged corrupt contractors while also “supporting” a project by the son of a congressman linked to a construction firm implicated in the flood control probe.
The user, commenting on the Meta-owned Threads platform, accused the showbiz personality of giving off “huge performative energy” in reaction to Nadine’s remarks about purported corruption in government-awarded flood control projects.
“I’m really sad seeing people struggling, losing their homes, livelihood, pets, because we can’t find a solution,” Nadine said in an interview last week.
“Nakakagalit, nakakalungkot na ‘yung binibigay natin na buwis, sa ganoon napupunta. Nakakainis talaga. It is sad funds are being used for something else,” she added.
Her comments come amid widespread Filipino criticism of the lavish lifestyles of certain family members of contractors involved in the alleged anomalous flood control projects in the country.
These include singer-vlogger Claudine Co, daughter of one of the owners of a construction firm that bagged the most number of flood control projects, as tagged by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
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Meanwhile, during an interview last week, Nadine emphasized the need for accountability in light of the issue.
“Sabi ko nga, ‘di maiwasan isipin na ‘yung binabayad natin tax, ‘di nagagamit for the people. Nakaka-discourage. You want to be accountable and be a good payer because that is how you contribute to the country,” she said.
A Threads user accused Nadine of being “a bit hypocritical” after noticing that she “liked” an Instagram post by fashion designer Ellis Co, the son of Rep. Zaldy Co (Ako Bicol party-list).
Zaldy is also a co-founder of Sunwest Construction, one of the contractors linked by Marcos to the flood control projects, and the firm that has received the most contracts in the country. He reportedly divested his interest in the company.
“The math ain’t mathing, girl,” the Threads user said, tagging Nadine’s account.
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The Threads user also replied to another commenter, who claimed that celebrities like Nadine “support whoever has the clout and money.”
“100%. I don’t hate Nadine, but she gives off huge performative energy. Plus, the fact na isa siya sa mga big celebrities na nag-ppromote ng online gambling dito sa Pilipinas. But that’s a discussion for another day,” the Threads user who first tagged Nadine said.
The actress saw the comments about her and responded.
“There’s nothing performative about that interview. Nakakagalit naman talaga ‘yung sitwasyon ng Pilipinas ngayon. Ano kala mo sa akin, manhid?” she wrote.
“Lol at the ‘I don’t hate Nadine but…’ statement. Just admit that you do,” the actress added.
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In another comment, Nadine directly addressed claims that she allegedly supported Ellis.
“‘Di ko naman alam ‘yun, teh,” the actress told the Threads user who tagged her account.
View on Threads
Nadine may be referring to Ellis’ connection to Zaldy, who is linked to a construction firm tagged in the flood control projects probe.
Meanwhile, the Senate is investigating alleged irregularities in flood control projects awarded by the Department of Public Works and Highways to some contractors.
Concerns about flood control projects were first raised by Marcos during his fourth State of the Nation Address, where he called out alleged corruption as flooding incidents worsened during the rainy season.
READ: FULL TEXT: Marcos’ 2025 State of the Nation Address
