Actress-singer Nadine Lustre stood her ground against critics questioning her remarks on the alleged anomalous flood control projects, insisting that her frustrations were genuine and not “performative.”
Her comments went viral last week after she expressed dismay over taxpayers’ money being misused while Filipinos continue to suffer from flooding.
“Nakakagalit, nakakalungkot na ‘yung binibigay natin na buwis, sa ganoon napupunta. Nakakainis talaga. It is sad funds are being used for something else,” Nadine said in an interview.
“Sabi ko nga, ‘di maiwasan isipin na ‘yung binabayad natin tax, ‘di nagagamit for the people. Nakaka-discourage. You want to be accountable and be a good payer because that is how you contribute to the country.”
Her remarks earned praise from fans, but also backlash from some netizens on Threads who accused her of being inconsistent.
One user wrote: “I don’t hate Nadine, but she gives off huge performative energy. Plus the fact na isa siya sa mga big celebrities na nag-ppromote ng online gambling dito sa Pilipinas. But that’s a discussion for another day.”
Another pointed out that Nadine once liked a post by fashion designer Ellis Co, son of Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, whose family-owned construction company has been tagged in the Senate’s ongoing flood control probe.
“The math ain’t mathing, girl,” the netizen said.
Nadine quickly responded to the criticism, denying any performative intent: “There’s nothing performative about that interview. Nakakagalit naman talaga ‘yung sitwasyon ng Pilipinas ngayon. Ano kala mo sa akin, manhid?”
She also addressed the issue of her alleged support for Ellis Co: “‘Di ko naman alam ‘yun, teh,” she replied.
The exchange sparked mixed reactions online.
Some netizens sided with Nadine and some others remained skeptical: “Good governance + gambling promo = contradiction. You can’t fight corruption while endorsing an industry infamous for it.”
The controversy comes as the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigates billions of pesos in flood control projects awarded to a handful of contractors. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier flagged irregularities in his State of the Nation Address, citing persistent flooding despite massive spending.
