Filipino-American content creator Bretman Rock joined the growing chorus of voices criticizing so-called “nepo babies” in the Philippines who are being linked to corruption scandals and lavish displays of wealth online.
In an Instagram Story posted on September 3, Bretman—known for mixing English, Tagalog, and Ilocano in his content—shifted from a lighthearted discussion on “language vs. dialect” to a fiery commentary on the current corruption issues.
“There are bigger fishes to motherfing fry, especially in the Philippines right now,” he began. “Like these motherfing nepo babies using people’s money to buy and fund their lavish lifestyle and some of their questionable, ugly fashion choices.”
He even poked fun at the way some flaunt luxury fashion without taste: “I saw this video the other day where [someone said] they really need to invest in a stylist before they invest in these motherfing fashion stuff, and I agree. I would be mad too if I was funding these motherfing nepo babies’ life and they’re buying ugly things. I would be mad, trust.”
Bretman’s comments come amid a firestorm of criticism targeting the children of politicians and government contractors linked to alleged ₱5.9 billion ghost flood control projects.
The controversy exploded after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) admitted that “ghost projects” exist and ordered lifestyle checks on officials and their families.
Netizens have since called out influencers and personalities connected to these families, dubbing them “Disney Princesses” and “Nepo Babies” for flaunting mansions, luxury bags, and million-peso dinners on social media while ordinary Filipinos grapple with flooding and poverty.
