The children of contractors and politicians tied to flood control projects in the Philippines are drawing backlash for their displays of wealth. Here’s what to know about the “Filipino flood control nepo babies” taking over your for-you page.

Public outrage has grown across the Philippines since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed that 20% of the flood prevention budget in the country was assigned to 15 contractors in the last three years. These contractors were awarded over ₱100 billion to enact efforts in mitigating flooding in the country. However, according to government reports, the money went to ghost projects and sub-standard barriers.

The corruption case has sparked national discontent. Following a presidential order to investigate the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and perform “lifestyle checks” on government officials, citizens have taken to the internet to dissect the ostentatious lifestyles of politicians and businessmen involved in the allegations. The criticism has reached their children, whose displays of wealth are thoroughly documented on the internet. Now, the backlash against the Philippines’ “flood control nepo babies” is spreading internationally.

Why are citizens outraged at the Filipino nepo babies?

Each year, millions of Filipinos are negatively impacted by natural disasters. As of August 2025, the Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that 2.4 million families (8.6 million people) were affected by the Southwest Monsoon and Tropical Cyclones Wipha (Crising), Francisco, and Co-may (Emong). At least 91,000 people were moved to evacuation centers, while an additional 108,000 were displaced from their homes. Per the Associated Press, “at least 26 people died in the weather onslaught.”

The mishandling of funds meant to alleviate the effects of climate-related events has fueled national outrage. As government investigations unfold, Filipinos actively monitor contractors’ families, concerned that the money from flood control projects has been used for personal purposes. These so-called “lifestyle checks” have focused on the children and relatives of contractors and government officials. Many of them flaunted lavish lifestyles on the internet or shared “aspirational” content as social media influencers.

Detractors have called out these public exhibitions of wealth as they explicitly violate the Philippines’ Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. The document encourages government officials and employees not to “indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form.”

But who are these nepo babies?

As netizens unearthed information about nepo babies, one of the first personalities to catch the heat was Claudine Co. The social media creator stood out for her multiple family ties to contractors from President Marcos’ list. She is the daughter of Christopher Co, formerly involved with Hi-Tone Construction & Development Corporation—per Rappler, documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission would prove that Christopher Co divested his shares and is no longer related to the company.

Nevertheless, the social media figure is still under the spotlight for other family associations. She is the niece of Zaldy Co, a public official and co-founder of Sunwest Incorporated. Moreover, social media users identified her as the girlfriend of Lemuel Lubiano, whose brother is the President of Centerways Construction and Development Incorporated. Both Sunwest and Centerways are part of the 15 contractor list provided by the Philippines’ Executive.

Amid the public outcry, Co was widely criticized for boasting a collection of Hermès bags online. She also posted about multiple private jets used to fly across the Philippines. As a result of netizens’ clamor, Co has now deactivated her social media accounts.

Another influencer facing backlash is Jammy Cruz. She is the daughter of another flood control contractor, Noel Cruz of Sto. Cristo Construction and Trading Incorporation. Cruz often posted about designer items and cross-continental trips. Additional videos shared on social media showed her thanking her father for gifting her luxury objects, including a car.

Children of other political families have also been on the receiving end of social media scrutiny. 

Calling out nepo babies on the internet or not? The debate is on

Internet users have collected images and videos from these people’s social media to point out the disparity between their wealth and the reality that citizens face. Many believe that posting about it on social media is a form of exerting pressure and demanding accountability. Some even argue that this social media movement is a form of political activism. After all, in recent years, social platforms have become spaces to organize collective action, voice dissent and encourage public deliberation.

A less popular (and largely dismissed) opinion circulating on the internet claims that targeting the children of politicians—especially when only women have been publicly exposed—could be detrimental. This subset of voices fears that the focus on “nepo babies” could divert the responsibility and accountability from their parents.

Regardless, this social media crusade has raised questions about the lack of access to equal opportunities, nepotism and systemic corruption. More than a trend, this social media wave reflects the social, economic and political dissatisfaction spreading around the world, particularly among young demographics.

The public call-outs against corruption are now expanding beyond the Philippines. International content creators on social media are shedding light on the Filipino “nepo babies” case, while many are following the country’s example and exposing their own countries’ corruption.

What is happening in the Philippines now?

In mid-August, the Philippine Senate’s blue ribbon committee, in charge of investigating “malfeasance, misfeasance and nonfeasance” of government officers and employees, began hearings among contractors linked to flood control projects.

Cezarah (Sarah) and Pacifico Discaya, who own two of the companies in the 15 contractors list, were among the first summoned by the Senate. Sarah Discaya admitted her family owns seven other companies, in addition to Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp. and St. Timothy Construction Corporation, embroiled in controversy. The companies would even bid against each other to secure infrastructure projects. Following a hearing on September 1, the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) revoked the contractor licenses granted to these companies. 

The Discaya couple had previously received hefty backlash for owning about 40 luxury cars. The collection that includes Bentleys and Rolls-Royce vehicles was publicly showcased last year during an interview on Julius Babao’s YouTube channel. But, as per recent developments in their case, that might be just the tip of the iceberg.

On September 8, the couple testified under oath that they secured government contracts by paying kickbacks to members of the House of Representatives. According to the Associated Press, the couple “offered no evidence, but said they kept records of the dates and places where the bribes were paid.” Sarah and Pacifico Discaya expressed their desire to testify as state witnesses, disclosing a list of public officials who supposedly asked for bribes before assigning infrastructure projects to their companies.

As of writing, the Senate is still in session for hearings that probe into matters of flood control ghost projects, as well as checks and balances on lavish lifestyles. Protests have also taken place, with citizens taking to the streets to speak out against corruption.