“Scholar ng bayan.”
This is how some social media users have described the children of politicians, contractors and government officials linked to the ongoing investigations into flood control projects, while criticizing what they perceive as their “lavish lifestyles.”
Some of these individuals showcase their affluent lifestyles on social media, sharing moments like private jet trips to Siargao, shopping sprees abroad, luxury car purchases and owning mansions with helipads.
Some have even referred to them as “nepo kids” or “nepo babies,” suggesting that they may have benefited from the privileges or wealth inherited from their parents.
“[T]he children and relatives [are] basking in stolen gold, flashing it on screens like they actually work for it,” an online user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
‘Simple living’
Amid these criticisms, some concerned citizens have emphasized that public officials, employees, and their families or relatives should adhere to the principles of “simple living,” as outlined in Republic Act 6713, also known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.”
“Public officials and employees and their families shall lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income,” according to Section 4 of the law.
“They shall not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form,” it added.
Some online users also posted screenshots or “receipts” of past social media posts to highlight how these so-called “nepo babies” have been showcasing their luxurious lifestyles.
“These are just some of their ‘normal’ daily flexes. These nepo kids flaunt their excesses like there’s no tomorrow,” creative director Gerry Cacanindin said in his Facebook post.
“They are so entitled, privileged, and out of touch, all that flex is no longer meant for us peasants. They’re meant for their fellow nepo kids,” he added.
Wake-up call
A Facebook post by former senatorial candidate Carl Balita on Thursday, August 28, sparked discussions on whether criticizing the children of corrupt officials and contractors could be considered “bullying.”
However, some online users argued that the criticisms directed at the “nepo kids” should be seen as a “wake-up call” rather than an act of bullying.
“I personally don’t see it as bullying. It’s a moral call or a wake-up call for them. A reminder that comfort built on corruption should never be worn with pride,” a Facebook user commented on Balita’s post.
“If their parents’ actions have caused suffering, then shame isn’t just appropriate, it’s necessary. They may not be guilty, but they’re not innocent either if they choose silence,” he added.
Other online users believe that the “nepo kids” are capable of discerning whether their actions and decisions are right or wrong.
“While you cannot choose your parents, you can choose your own values, integrity, and actions,” an online user also commented on Balita’s Facebook post.
“As children, we have a choice, to uphold our family’s good reputation or to flaunt wealth in ways that invite scrutiny,” a different online user said.
“If you choose to seek attention through extravagance, be ready for people to give it to you, in ways you may not expect. You deserve what you served,” she added.
“Kung ang mga anak nila ay lumaki sa yaman na galing sa korapsyon, may moral obligation silang kilalanin ito sa edad na alam nila ang tama at mali,” another Facebook user said.
“Hindi sapat ang ‘wala akong alam’ lalo kung ginagamit nila ang yaman para sa influence, lifestyle o status,” he added.
“My take: Accountability of the children depends on how complicit they are to the wrongdoings of their corrupt parents. Halimbawa, kung bata na walang kamuwang-muwang na galing sa nakaw ang pang-sustain ng buhay niya, baka makalusot pa. Pero kung lumaki na siya at alam naman na niya ang krimen ng kanyang mga magulang, pero ine-enjoy pa niya ang nakaw na yaman, di na yan inosente!” former lawmaker Raoul Manuel said.
‘Kurakot shaming’
Amid the surge of “lifestyle checks” and criticisms on social media, many personalities are calling for greater accountability from corrupt officials and their families.
Broadcast journalist Karen Davila urged an end to the culture of praising or excusing corrupt public officials.
“KURAKOT SHAMING. It’s high time. Sa ibang bansa, ang nagnanakaw sa gobyerno nakukulong o naghaharakiri. Sa Pilipinas, kina-iinggitan. Tama na,” Davila said.
Meanwhile, celebrities Bianca Gonzalez-Intal, Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis also expressed their sentiments on the lavish lifestyle of the corrupt officials and their families.
“Here we are, mga walang generational wealth o nakaw na yaman, na kumakayod araw araw, na minsa’y nahihiya pa magpost ng travel o ng nabili kasi baka “mayabang” ang dating 😳 paano ba to,” Gonzalez said.
“Bigla kong naalala yung milyon-milyon kong tax na pinaghahati-hatian ng mga garapal na magnanakaw,” Vice said on her Instagram story, while sharing that she was thrifty in London due to the expensive cost of living.
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“When Mam @KM_JessicaSoho said ‘Hindi na pala baha ang magpapalubog [sa] ating bayan kungdi [kasakiman]’ Sakit 😞,” Curtis said in a tweet.
READ: ‘Sakit’: Anne Curtis reacts to viral spiel of Jessica Soho on flood control project report
Some individuals, including Claudine Co, Gela Alonte, Jammy Cruz and Christine Lim, who have been labeled as “nepo kids,” have limited their social media interactions or deactivated their accounts.
RELATED: ‘Not related to anyone’: Content creator Camille Co denies connection to viral Claudine Co
These individuals are reportedly related to politicians, contractors, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials linked to the controversial billion-peso flood control projects.
On August 27, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a “lifestyle check” on the government officials and agencies implicated in the controversy.
