As political families and government contractors face public criticism for flaunting their lavish lifestyles, Naga City Mayor and former Vice President Leni Robredo and her daughters have been praised by netizens for choosing to live simply.
The issue arose following revelations about anomalies in government flood control projects, which placed a spotlight on the extravagant lifestyles of contractors’ families and some politicians’ children. Among those criticized was Claudine Co, daughter of Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corp. co-founder Christopher Co, whose family was mentioned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in connection with questionable Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts.
But while many “nepo babies” were called out for flaunting luxury brands, designer bags, and foreign vacations, netizens lauded the Robredos for supporting local products and maintaining a grounded lifestyle.
“Robredo ladies proving that you can be a politician, anak ng politician at asawa ng politician pero kayang mamuhay ng simple, at sumuporta sa local brands and products, and still be classy,” wrote Reddit user @kimmydura in a post under ChikaPH.
Robredo ladies proving that you can be a politician, anak ng politician at asawa ng politician pero kayang mamuhay ng simple, at sumuporta sa local brands and products, and still be classy.
byu/kimmydura inChikaPH
Online commenters also recalled Mayor Leni’s past interviews where she shared how she and her late husband, former Interior Secretary and Naga Mayor Jesse Robredo, saved diligently for family trips rather than indulging in extravagance.
The Robredo sisters—Aika, 37; Tricia, 31; and Jillian, 25—were praised not only for living modestly but also for excelling academically through scholarships at top universities.
Aika earned her Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School on a full scholarship.
Tricia completed a joint MD–MBA program at Ateneo de Manila University as a scholar.
Jillian studied Economics and Mathematics at New York University under a full scholarship, even taking on part-time work to cover her living expenses abroad.
One netizen called them “Scholar Babies,” contrasting them with social media personalities flaunting wealth linked to political families. “They not Nepo Babies instead Scholar Babies‼️,” a commenter posted.
Photos of the Robredo women wearing locally made clothing, shoes, and bags circulated online, further boosting admiration for their authenticity and humility.
“See, hindi sila nanamantala. They worked so hard para marating kung ano ang meron sila. Yes, they do travel but you will never see them flaunting flying private jets while wearing luxury brands,” one commenter noted.
The contrast between the Robredos’ modest lifestyle and the conspicuous wealth of families tied to anomalous projects has fueled ongoing debates about privilege, accountability, and public trust.
