Kapuso actor and entrepreneur David Licauco, dubbed the “Pambansang Ginoo,” earned praise online after announcing the temporary closure of his White Plains branch of Sóbra To-Go on Sunday, September 21, to give way for his staff who wished to attend the nationwide rally against corruption.
In an official notice posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page, the actor wrote: “Sóbra To-Go (White Plains) will be closing at 12:00NN on September 21, 2025 (Sunday) so that our staff may exercise their freedom of expression and peaceful assembly by joining the strike.”
He further underscored the importance of accountability in governance: “The sovereignty and spirit of the Philippines lie, first and foremost, with the Filipino people. The power of government is borrowed from the people. They are accountable to us, not the other way around.”
Licauco clarified that while the White Plains branch will be closed for the day, Sóbra Café Molito and Sóbra Café Opus will remain open.
The gesture quickly drew applause from netizens, many calling the actor a socially aware and responsible business owner.
One commenter wrote, “I know we shouldn’t be putting celebrities on a pedestal but sobrang green flag nitong move na ‘to ni David.” Another added, “Good for you David, considering nasa White Plains yan branch mo, malakas yan dahil maraming tao pero hindi mo sinamantala. Kudos!”
Others simply hailed him, “Saludo ako sa’yo Pambansang Ginoo David Licauco.”
Various rallies are set to take place across the country on September 21, as citizens continue to denounce corruption and call for accountability from government officials.
